Gor Mahia head coach opens up on major problem plaguing his side

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has admitted that his side is still struggling to find the right formula in attack, citing a lack of sharpness and composure in front of goal as the main concern.

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Despite boasting talented forwards, the team has yet to find consistency in converting chances, a weakness that has seen them drop crucial points twice this season.

The record champions enjoyed a wealth of options upfront last season, with Benson Omalla, Chris Ochieng, Congolese striker Gideon Bendeka, and Patrick Esombe offering variety and depth.

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However, that frontline has since been dismantled. Omalla joined Cambodian Premier League side Visakha FC, while Bendeka moved to the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions Kakamega Homeboyz.

In a bid to rebuild their attacking firepower, Gor Mahia brought in Ghanaian duo Ebenezer Adukwaw and George Amonno. Adukwaw arrived from Ghana’s Bechem United, having previously played for Albanian side KF Trepca 89, while Amonno joined from Karela United.

The club also pursued celebrated Ugandan striker Mohamed Shaban Jagason, but the move fell through after a reported disagreement over his signing fee.

Since then, Akonnor has relied on Felix Oluoch and Adukwaw to lead the line, often pairing the two or rotating their positions between the wing and centre forward, a partnership that is yet to yield the expected results.

That struggle was evident in K'Ogalo’s 1–1 draw with Ulinzi Stars at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, 2 November, where they squandered several clear-cut chances that could have sealed the win.

Speaking after the match, Akonnor pointed out that wastefulness in front of goal remains the team’s biggest concern.

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“Some situations should have gone in our favour, but they did not, and that was a bit frustrating. The opponent played the same way (midweek fixture, just like us), so that is not an excuse.

We just were not fresh enough to dominate in the first half and in the attack,” the Ghanaian tactician offered.

Despite the missed opportunities, the coach highlighted positives from the game.

“It is not just about this match against Ulinzi that we missed chances, but we are still working on improving our composure and being more clinical in front of goal.

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There were a lot of positives, especially how we defended and created chances. The only negative is that we did not convert them to goals. But overall, the positives outweighed the negatives,” the optimistic gaffer offered.

He also took a moment to appreciate the loyal fans who turned out in numbers to back the team.

“We really appreciate the fans who turned out in large numbers. Gor Mahia is a household name in this country, and we’re proud of their support,” he said.

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Up next, Gor will tackle FKF Premier League defending champions Kenya Police FC on Sunday, 9 November at Nyayo National Stadium.