Gor Mahia return to continental action on Sunday, September 6, when they host Egyptian side Pyramids FC at Nyayo National Stadium in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie, with coach Charles Akonnor urging his players to combine tactical discipline with mental toughness.

The match marks Gor Mahia’s return to the CAF Champions League stage after reclaiming the SportPesa League title for a record-extending 22nd time last season. K’Ogalo will be seeking to make a strong start at home against a Pyramids side that has rapidly established itself among Africa’s leading clubs.

Gor head into the encounter after a demanding preseason that included a strong run in the CECAFA Kagame Cup. The Kenyan champions reached the final before losing 2-1 to Rwanda’s Rayon Sports after extra time.

Their return home was less encouraging, however, as they drew 2-2 with league newbies Migori Youth in regular time before embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Tusker Fc in the FKF Super Cup at Nyayo Stadium. They then played out a goalless draw with Police FC in their final friendly as Akonnor continued to assess his squad ahead of the continental assignment.

Speaking during a press conference at the club’s training ground, Akonnor said the Pyramids encounter represents an opportunity for his players to demonstrate their quality on a much bigger stage.

“It is very important that we present ourselves very well. We are preparing adequately, believing that once we are ready, we do everything at the right moment and time.”

The Ghanaian tactician said preparations have increasingly focused on developing the mental strength required for a match of such magnitude.

“We’ve started training, training that takes the mental toughness into play. A game that will have us believe that we are capable of doing it.”

Akonnor acknowledged the quality of the Egyptian opposition, saying Gor had gained valuable experience from their CECAFA campaign and had a clear understanding of the challenge awaiting them.

“We know that the Egyptian team is very strong, tough side. We’ve seen them and we are very sure to be ready,” he said.

For Akonnor, however, preparation extends beyond physical and tactical work. He wants his players to understand the significance of representing Kenya in continental football and use the occasion to put themselves in the national-team picture with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching.

“It is also important that our players do well, knowing that the national coach is also watching. AFCON is just on the way,” Akonnor said, adding that the occasion should motivate the players to perform at their best.

The contrast between the two clubs is striking. Gor Mahia were established in 1968 and have built a rich domestic history over decades, while Pyramids are a relatively young club, founded in 2008. Yet, despite their shorter history, Pyramids have climbed rapidly through sustained investment and strategic management to become a force in African football.

Pyramids won the CAF Champions League in the 2024/25 season and have finished second in the Egyptian Premier League in each of the last five seasons. They have also featured prominently in the Egyptian Cup, reaching the final in the last three seasons and winning the competition twice.

Their continental consistency further highlights the size of the challenge facing Gor Mahia. Pyramids have reached the CAF Champions League group stage in each of the past three seasons. After exiting at the group stage on their debut in the 2023/24 campaign, they went all the way to lift the trophy in 2024/25 before bowing out in the quarter-finals last season.

Their continental record stretches even further back. Since the 2019/20 season, Pyramids have featured in the group stage of every CAF inter-club campaign they have entered, initially becoming regulars in the CAF Confederation Cup before establishing themselves in the Champions League from 2023.

Gor Mahia, by comparison, have been away from the continental stage since the 2018/19 season, when they reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

That gap makes Sunday’s encounter particularly important for K’Ogalo. Beyond the result, it offers the Kenyan champions an opportunity to measure themselves against a club that has transformed from a relatively young project into a regular presence at the summit of African club football.

Akonnor believes the responsibility is clear.

“They can make Kenya proud because we represent Kenya.”