Charles Akonnor Reveals Secret Behind Gor Mahia Victory Over Kenya Police

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has praised his players for executing a tactical masterclass that saw the team overcome defending champions Kenya Police FC 2-0 in a thrilling Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The victory not only ended Police’s unbeaten start to the season but also propelled Gor Mahia to the top of the 2025/26 league standings with 16 points,  two ahead of second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz. 

K’Ogalo looked dominant from the onset, displaying composure and control that kept their hosts under pressure throughout the first half.

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Felix Oluoch opened the scoring early after a clever assist from Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw, while Musa Shariff doubled the lead in the 33rd minute to secure the three points. 

Despite a spirited second-half response from Police, Gor Mahia maintained their discipline to see out the win.

After the match, Akonnor revealed that the team’s success came down to a well-planned tactical adjustment based on their opponents’ weaknesses.

“We watched Police play Sofapaka on Wednesday, and after analysing their weaknesses, we changed our formation to a 3-5-2 from 4-3-3. It worked well for us; we got two early goals. We were tactically disposed and the boys played as instructed,” he said.

The Ghanaian tactician acknowledged that the second half brought fresh challenges as Police made key substitutions that forced Gor Mahia to adapt once again.

“Two substitutions that the Police made at the start of the second half disrupted us a bit as they were coming in with earlier long balls, but we were able to be calm and kick the ball around. We were leading 2-0 and  that was enough to protect."

The win lifted Gor Mahia to the summit of the table, a position Akonnor says comes with added responsibility. 

“We now know that the pressure is on us now that we are top of the league and we have to work to maintain that,” he added on Gor Mahia rising to the top of the league.

The result also marked Kenya Police’s heaviest league defeat since their 3-0 loss to Posta Rangers on September 1, 2023.

Despite the convincing victory, Akonnor highlighted set-piece situations as a key area needing improvement.

“We have to work on set pieces both ways, in defending and attacking. Our opponents had a free header and we should not have allowed that,” he said.

Gor Mahia will next meet Tusker FC at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani after the international break.