Gor Mahia head coach explains why they lost to AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 08.12.25. | 22:00
Gor Mahia now shift focus to their weekend assignment away to Bandari FC in Ukunda
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor delivered a candid post-match assessment of Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby defeat, conceding that AFC Leopards showed greater desire during the clash staged at Nyayo Stadium.
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Ingwe secured their first derby victory in two years through a first-half strike from Julius Masaba, after Bryne Omondi parried a Tyson Otieno effort into his path.
The Fred Ambani-led side dominated large spells of the first half and ultimately got their reward, an advantage they battled hard to maintain till the final whistle.
K'Ogalo enjoyed more possession after the interval but struggled to unsettle a well-organised Leopards defence that protected Ambani’s unbeaten Mashemeji Derby record, both as a coach and player.
Reflecting on the defeat, Akonnor acknowledged that his side were second best in several key areas, adding that Leopards displayed a sharper mentality.
“The opponents were more aggressive than us. They won most of the second balls; they were determined, and you could see the urgency in their play.”
The Ghanaian further questioned his squad’s mentality in a game of such importance, stressing that Gor lacked both fight and character.
“Games like this demand commitment, and we were not committed enough. We did not fight hard enough to win this game.”
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He went on to fault his team for allowing Leopards to dictate play for long spells, arguing that the players failed to respond even when the match required more composure.
“From the onset, they were winning the balls, counter-pressing and bullying us. It was up to us to react, but we didn’t.
Even in moments where we needed to show character or protest a foul, the players were too passive. I am very disappointed with the way we played today.”
Akonnor did, however, congratulate Leopards, while adding that the league standings still favour his side at this stage.
“We are ahead of them on the table, but today they were better. They were more aggressive, they wanted it more, and congratulations to them.”
Despite the derby loss, Gor Mahia still recorded a significant financial gain, collecting over Ksh7 million in gate revenue. On the pitch, the result marked a second straight defeat following the 4–1 reversal against APS Bomet a fortnight ago.
Gor Mahia now shift focus to their weekend assignment away to Bandari FC in Ukunda.
