Gor's Akonnor picks positives from Simba loss in Dar

The high-octane match which was played Wednesday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, to mark Simba Day celebrations, saw K’Ogalo thrashed 2-0 with Mohammed Hamza and Steven Mukwala on the score sheet for the Tanzanian giants.

Mohammed opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a towering free header from Saleh’s free kick before Mukwala superbly slotted home the second in the early embers of the second half after Sylvester Owino failed to react quickly to clear a dangerous cross into the six-yard box.

“The match gave us a fair idea of our players which is good. We’ve had a series of friendlies not as competitive as the match against Simba and we’re happy to note the areas we noted we have to improve,” said Akonnor.

The Ghanaian tactician praised his boys despite the loss, noting the goals came as a result of sloppiness in his defence

“We did well because we expressed ourselves on how we want to play. We just lacked a little bit of understanding on how we should have defended but I’m happy with the overall display.”

Akonnor has also praised the impressive display shown by Simba which forced them to adjust their style of play to match them.

“We struggled in the first half because of their mobility and our press did not work. They are a very solid team, they did well in CAF confederations matches and I wish them the best,” noted Akonnor.

Gor had started the match without key men Alpha Onyango and Lewis Bandi who were just from national duty on Tuesday while Sylvester Owino and Micheal Kibwage were thrown into the starting lineup despite featuring for Harambee Stars.

Owino and Kibwage were later introduced in the second half when Gor Mahia was already trailing by two goals.

Austin Odhiambo’s efforts to pull one back hit the road as he lacked the finishing touch on two occasions in the second half.

Simba managed to put to bay any Gor Mahia threat earning the bragging rights after the final whistle.

It was quite a painful loss but worth taking lessons for Gor Mahia heading into the 2025/26 season in which they’ll be looking to reclaim their title.

The 20-time league champions will kick off their 2025/2026 season with Bidco United on September 21.