Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has confirmed that his full squad is ready for selection, including the returning national team players and defender Lewis Bandi.
Bandi’s recent transfer from AFC Leopards raised eyebrows, especially considering he has been sidelined due to an injury. Akonnor expressed confidence in his team’s fitness and preparedness for the intense schedule ahead.
“Our national players are back. They joined us this morning, as well as Lewis Bandi, who has been out,” Akonnor stated in a press briefing. “Everybody is fit and ready to contribute. We have a clear plan regarding who will play and who will be rested. It’s going to be a busy week with another match on Tuesday, so managing player fatigue will be crucial.”
While Akonnor was forthright about his squad selections, he was more reserved when discussing the fitness of attacker Ebenezer Adukwar.
Adukwar, who recently made a significant impact by providing an assist in the match against Police, had previously spent time recovering from injuries.
When pressed about his availability for the upcoming clash, Akonnor declined to elaborate further, emphasizing the importance of strategic player rotation as they face three matches within the week.
“While I cannot provide details on Adukwar, we must be smart with our rotations to ensure all our players remain fresh throughout this demanding schedule,” he remarked.
Reflecting on past performances, Akonnor noted his team’s struggles against Tusker last season, where Gor Mahia could only manage a single point from two encounters, a statistic that highlights the need for improvement. “We even saw another relegated team take four points from us last season,” he acknowledged. “Tusker is a formidable opponent, and we must be prepared to play at our best.”
On the other side, Tusker’s head coach Charles Okere has expressed optimism and readiness as his team gears up for the encounter against the storied Gor Mahia. Okere believes that his players have the mental fortitude needed to withstand the pressures that come with playing away, especially against Gor Mahia’s passionate fanbase at Kasarani.
“We have prepared the players psychologically to handle the 12th man and the pressure on the pitch. Tomorrow, November 22, is a significant day for us,” Okere said, brimming with confidence.
With both teams hungry for victory and the rivalry between them intensifying, fans are anticipating an electrifying match that promises to deliver both drama and quality football.
As Akonnor and Okere prepare their respective squads for this crucial clash, the battle for three points will undoubtedly captivate supporters and set the stage for exciting football in the league.