Gor Mahia's Alpha Onyango in action against Tanzania's Simba SC/@GORMAHIAFCGor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor believes his team’s 2-0 defeat to Simba SC on Wednesday night was a “mirror” that revealed critical weaknesses—but also a chance to grow ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League season.
Speaking after the friendly at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Ghanaian tactician acknowledged that Simba’s quality exposed areas that need immediate improvement.
“Simba punished our complacency,” said Akonnor. “This was a mirror held up to our ambitions. We saw our flaws clearly tonight.”
The loss came through a first-half strike by Jean Baleke and a late counterattack that sealed the result for the Tanzanian side. Despite the scoreline, Akonnor remained composed, describing the defeat as a timely wake-up call.
“Sometimes, the pitch teaches with pain. Better a wound today than a scar tomorrow. We will not waste this lesson.”
Akonnor, who is known for his tactical approach, identified pressing, transitions, and finishing as the areas needing the most attention.
Inside the dressing room, team captain Philemon Otieno spoke with defiance.
“This is not the end. It’s a beginning forged in fire,” said Otieno.
Midfielder Austin Odhiambo, a key figure in Gor Mahia’s buildup play, admitted the team is still adapting to Akonnor’s system.
“We are still learning Akonnor’s press. Simba’s speed exposed us, but it also lit a spark. We will respond.”
Club chairman Ambrose Rachier also downplayed the result, urging fans to see the bigger picture of pre-season development.
“Pre-season is for revelation, not panic. This club thrives on resilience. Our supporters should know we are forging a side worthy of their song,” said Rachier.
Gor Mahia, who are preparing for their Kenyan Premier League opener, will play additional friendlies in the coming weeks. Training continues at the SportPesa Foundation in Thika, where Akonnor and his technical bench are fine-tuning tactics and evaluating player performances.
The record 21-time league champions aim not just to compete domestically, but to become a force in continental football once again.
“Gor Mahia must not just compete. We must command. Simba reminded us of that,” said Akonnor.
