Gor Mahia players warm up during their Cecafa Kagame Cup preparations in Kigali. [Gor Mahia FC]
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor believes the ongoing Cecafa Kagame Cup has given his side the perfect platform to prepare for the upcoming CAF Champions League qualifiers after K’Ogalo booked a place in the tournament final.
The Kenyan champions will face Rwanda's Rayon Sports in Friday's final at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali after surviving a tense semi-final against the Sudanese giants Al Hilal.
Gor Mahia needed penalties to seal their place in the final after a thrilling 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time. K’Ogalo held their nerve to win the shootout 8-7 and move within one victory of ending a 40-year wait for the regional title.
Akonnor said the tournament has been important in helping his players improve as they prepare for bigger continental assignments.
"The Cecafa Kagame Cup has been very important for us. It has given us competitive matches against strong teams, and that is exactly what we need before the CAF Champions League qualifiers," said Akonnor.
"We are building a team and every game has helped us understand where we are and what we still need to improve. The experience from this tournament will help us when we start our Champions League campaign."