Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit following a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Murang’a Seal at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Wednesday, January 14.
K’Ogalo, who have struggled to recover from losing positions this season, produced one of their most memorable performances to overturn a two-goal deficit and end Murang’a Seal’s impressive 10-game unbeaten run.
The visitors stunned the home crowd by racing into a 2-0 lead within the opening 18 minutes, with Joe Waithira and Francis Memusi finding the back of the net. Given Gor Mahia’s recent struggles when trailing, defeat appeared inevitable at halftime.
However, the second half told a completely different story. An inspired Gor Mahia side emerged from the dressing room with renewed purpose, pulling one back just four minutes after the restart before leveling matters moments later through quickfire goals from Felix Oluoch and Paul Ochuoga. The pressure eventually paid off in the 82nd minute when new signing Ebenezer Assifuah came off the bench to tap in the winner, sending the Kasarani crowd into raptures.
Akonnor admitted he was a bundle of nerves throughout the encounter but credited a heartfelt halftime talk for turning the game around.
“When we went into the dressing room, I wanted to give them an inspirational talk,” said the Ghanaian tactician. “I told them to do something extra, something we have never taught them. It had to come from them.”
Reflecting on the comeback, the 51-year-old coach lauded his side’s mental strength.
“The players showed character today. It took a lot of nerves, but they did so well and showed that they are Gor Mahia,” Akonnor said. “Normally we have struggled when we are behind, and 2-0 was very difficult, but I am so proud and excited about the character and fighting spirit the team showed.”
The victory saw Gor Mahia leapfrog arch-rivals AFC Leopards to take control of the league standings, marking a significant psychological boost for the men in green.
Looking ahead, Akonnor believes the win could be a turning point for his team’s season. “This is what we have been looking for,” he added. “I am just so proud of what the players have done and what they have shown us as a technical bench. There is a lot of hope for the future.”
Gor Mahia will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Mara Sugar, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, as they seek to build on the momentum from Wednesday’s stirring comeback.