Gor Mahia's Hansel Ochieng in action during their friendly against Rayon Sports in Rwanda/HANDOUT
Gor Mahia’s pre-season tour of Rwanda has begun with an early setback, but head coach Charles Akonnor believes the 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium will provide valuable lessons ahead of the new campaign.
For the Ghanaian tactician, the loss exposed tactical areas that require improvement as Gor Mahia prepare for domestic, regional and continental assignments.
Akonnor refused to let the defeat define his side’s preparations, instead viewing it as an important step in building a stronger team.
“We are using this two-week camp in Rwanda as a tactical laboratory,” Akonnor said. “These matches are giving us the opportunity to discover our weaknesses and correct them before the competitive season begins.”
Against a spirited Rayon Sports side celebrating their annual Rayon Day, Gor Mahia were punished by lapses in concentration. Atisso Kodjo broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time before Ndikumana Fabio sealed the victory with a late lob in added time.
For Akonnor, those moments highlighted areas that demand immediate attention.
“Losing concentration in the closing minutes of either half is something we must overcome,” he said. “At the highest level, matches are decided by small details, and we have to remain focused until the final whistle.”
The former Black Stars captain has now shifted his focus to strengthening the team’s defensive organisation while improving creativity and efficiency in attack.
“Our defensive organisation needs to improve, and every player must understand their role,” Akonnor said. “We have to become stronger, smarter and more disciplined as a team.”
The Rwanda training camp has also provided an opportunity to integrate new signings with the club’s experienced players.
Among the new arrivals is striker Paul Okoth, who joined after an impressive 18-goal campaign. The forward nearly marked his unofficial debut with a goal after striking the crossbar during Gor Mahia’s second-half resurgence against Rayon Sports.
“Paul has quality and potential, but football is about the team,” Akonnor said. “We must help all the new players adapt quickly and understand the philosophy of Gor Mahia.”
With six new signings joining the squad, Akonnor believes patience and cohesion will be just as important as individual talent.
“We are building something important, and building a team takes time,” he said. “The players must believe in the process and continue working hard every day.”
Off the pitch, former players Philemon Otieno and Ernest Wendo have taken up leadership roles within the club after retiring, bringing valuable experience and continuity.
“People like Philemon and Ernest know what this badge represents,” Akonnor said. “Their presence is important because they can guide the players and preserve the winning mentality of this club.”
The Rayon Sports defeat was only the first test of Gor Mahia’s Rwanda tour, with the bigger challenge beginning on July 24 when K’Ogalo kick off their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign.
Gor Mahia have been drawn in a difficult Group A alongside Rwanda’s APR FC, Somalia’s Dekedaha and Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with wearing this jersey,” Akonnor said. “Our aim is to compete strongly and represent Gor Mahia with pride.”
Having guided Gor Mahia to the league title in his first season, Akonnor is now targeting greater success beyond Kenya’s borders.
“We want to keep improving and make Gor Mahia a team that can compete at the highest level,” he said. “This journey has started, and we believe in where we are going.”
For Akonnor, the defeat in Kigali was not a setback but a learning opportunity. As Gor Mahia continue their preparations, the focus remains on turning lessons into progress ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.
