Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor picks positives from Simba SC defeat

Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has stayed calm and positive despite his side suffering a 2-0 defeat against Tanzanian giants Simba SC during a friendly to celebrate Simba Day ahead of the new season.

During the fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Msimbazi Reds took a deserved lead as early as the sixth minute when Abdulrazack Mohamed Hamza found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Hamza’s goal came from a header following a free-kick cross.

Uganda forward Steven Mukwala added to the scoreline in the 48th minute, further solidifying Simba’s lead. Mukwala dribbled through Gor Mahia players before planting the ball into the net.

“We did very well. We were able to express ourselves in terms of how we want to play, but we lacked a little bit of understanding in defending. The first goal came from an individual error, but overall, we played well,” said the Ghanaian coach as quoted by Mozzart Sports.

“I was so excited about the second half. The players we brought in showed a lot of qualities we want going forward, and it gives us a fair idea of our squad. We have played many friendly games, but most of them were against low-level teams. This, however, was a high-standard game.

“It gave us a good opportunity to assess our players, and hopefully, going forward, we will improve and start winning matches.”

The former Ghana Black Stars coach further commended Simba for their display by saying: “Simba is a very good team. They know how to play, and in the first half, we struggled with their mobility. We wanted to press high, but we couldn’t cope with their movement.

“We decided to change our style in the second half, and we were much better. I’m so impressed with Simba and all they have achieved. They reached the CAF Confederation Cup final last season, and that shows they are doing a lot of things right.”

Gor Mahia, who lost the FKF Premier League to Kenya Police FC last season, will resume their hunt for the same with the opening fixture against Bidco United.

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