Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has taken full responsibility for the team’s 4-1 defeat to newly-promoted APS Bomet and assured fans that the side is focused on the upcoming Mashemeji derby against AFC Leopards.
Gor Mahia started brightly, with new Ghanaian striker George Amonoo scoring in the fifth minute. However, APS Bomet soon took control, with Hansel Ochieng producing a sensational performance. Ochieng scored twice just before halftime, first converting a penalty in the 40th minute, then finding the net again in the 43rd minute to put Bomet ahead 2-1. He completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after pouncing on a rebound, before Rodgers Kipkemoi sealed the 4-1 victory with a clever finish over the advancing Gor Mahia goalkeeper in the 87th minute.
The result ended Gor Mahia’s seven-match unbeaten run and lifted APS Bomet from the bottom of the league standings, providing a major boost for the hosts.
Akonnor admitted that the team had not been at its best and that the technical bench had attempted a change in the lineup to restore energy and balance, but the plan failed to yield the desired outcome. “We lost, and it was a very bad result for us. Looking at what we did last weekend, it was clear we were not fresh, so we thought changes in the squad would help, but it didn’t go our way,” Akonnor said.
Despite the setback, the Gor Mahia coach emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and moving forward. He described the defeat as a wake-up call, highlighting that difficult moments provide valuable lessons. Akonnor stressed that dwelling on disappointment will not help, and the team’s priority now is to regroup, sharpen focus, and address areas that need immediate improvement ahead of the Mashemeji derby.
“Yeah, we are ready, we shall be ready for that match. Sometimes we learn from our mistakes, and this was a big blow to us; we didn’t expect that,” Akonnor said. He added that the manner in which the team conceded goals was far from what he had envisioned but insisted that Gor Mahia remain confident and determined to respond positively in their next challenge.
With the status of the Mashemeji derby still uncertain for this Saturday, Gor Mahia continue their preparations, determined to bounce back and put on a strong performance.
