Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has explained his decision to withdraw midfielder Lesley Otieno early in Sunday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round clash against Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC at Nyayo National Stadium.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe record FKF Premier League champions fell 2-0 to the Egyptian powerhouses in the first leg, with Walid El Karti opening the scoring in the fifth minute before Mahmoud Saber doubled the advantage on the stroke of halftime.Facing one of Africa’s continental heavyweights, the Ghanaian tactician made several tactical adjustments during the contest, including sacrificing Lesley and introducing Ben Stanley Omondi as he looked to restore balance to his midfield.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936564##The decision to take off one of his core players before halftime attracted attention, but the former Ghana national team coach explained that it was purely a tactical move rather than a reflection of the midfielder’s performance.“Yeah, it wasn't because he (Lesley) was doing badly. It was a tactical approach. Alpha [Onyango] was supposed to be behind the striker. And because of his ability, he's always played the eighth position. So, he's always dropping,” Akonnor said.“And he gave the opponent a chance to score, and we sacrificed him. And then we thought, okay, let's bring in a proper number 10, which is [Ben] Stanley. It didn't work in the early second half, but it got better. And so, it was all good.”Pyramids coach singles out Gor Mahia duo for praise after CAF Champions League clashAnother selection that generated discussion was the decision to start creative midfielder Jackson Dwang on the bench.Against a Pyramids side boasting extensive international experience, the 51-year-old opted to prioritise defensive discipline, physical readiness and the team’s shape without possession during the opening stages.Dwang was introduced in the second half, bringing fresh energy to the Green Army as the hosts pushed the Egyptian side back for long stretches.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936484##Akonnor explained that the decision was based on form, fitness and the tactical demands of the match rather than individual reputation.“He's not starting because we are looking at form, you know, who is in better form, who is in better shape, and also the approach. Jackson [Dwang] is somebody who loves to have the ball all the time. This time around, it's not about having the ball. It's also tactically being disciplined, being defensive in terms of when we don't have the ball and how to do it.Former Harambee Stars midfielder obtains UEFA A coaching license in BelgiumAnd we brought him in at the right time, and I think he showcased what he's made of,” he added.The Ghanaian also stood by his original selection, which included versatile midfielder Lesley Otieno, and said the players who started had earned their places through their work in training.With the FKF Premier League season delayed by ongoing legal disputes, the coaching staff have had to rely on training intensity and physical evaluation to determine which players were ready for the continental assignment.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936459##“I started with the right players. We've had a week of training or more, you know, and those who were ready were the people we used. Even I was talking about Lesley; he didn't perform poorly, but it was a tactical change,” he said.