Gor Mahia stretched their League unbeaten run to 15 matches with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Shabana fc in a pulsating SportPesa League Gameweek 25 clash at Nyayo National stadium, an evening that blended tension on the pitch with celebration in the stands.
Roared on by thousands of green & White army, K’Ogalo not only secured three crucial points but also opened up a commanding 10 – point gap at the summit, edging closer to reclaiming the league crown they lost last season to Police FC.
The occasion carried added significance off the pitch, with the club banking Ksh 2.4 million in gate collections as announced by Club Treasurer Gerphas Okuku, capping a double victory both competitively and commercially.
The contest began with Shabana showing early intent. In the 14th minute, Kevin Omundi tested Gad Mathews who replaced (Bryne Omondi between the sticks) ,with a fierce long range strike, a warning sign that the Glamour Boys were not in Nairobi to sit back. Gor Mahia, however, settled into rhythm and struck first in the 22nd minute ; Ebenezer Adu-kwaw danced past defenders down the left before delivering a precise pass that found Jackson Dwang, who’s weaker left foot strike found the bottom left corner to break the deadlock.
The lead was short-lived. Shabana responded almost immediately, capitalizing on a moment of confusion at the back as Wycliffe Omondi rose highest to head home the equalizer following a miscommunication between Gad Mathews and his defense.
The game then opened up into an end-to-end affair.
In the 27th minute, Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng produced a stunning save to deny Shariff Musa from close range. Chances continued to flow, with Keith Imbali narrowly missing the target in the 35th minute. Just before the break, Gor Mahia piled on the pressure. Adu-kwaw came inches from restoring the lead when his header rattled the post, while Ochieng stood tall again with back-to-back saves to keep out Shariff Musa and Samuel Kapen, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
The second half carried the same intensity but with growing tension as both teams chased a decisive moment. Shabana nearly stunned the hosts in the 55th minute when captain George Onyango blazed over from close range after finding space in the box. Substitutions around the hour mark saw Gor Mahia introduce Ebenezer Assifuah for [Samwel Kapen] while Shabana brought on Austine Odongo and Papa Diallo for [Bronson Nsuguba and Assis Mwambote] to inject fresh energy.
As the clock ticked down, the chances became more frantic. Brian Michira’s free-kick in the 70th minute forced a sharp save from Gad Mathews, while Shariff Musa continued to threaten but failed to hit the target with a powerful effort in the 74th minute. A late defensive mix-up in the Shabana backline nearly gifted Assifuah a goal, but the chance went begging.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Gor Mahia found their moment late on. From a well-delivered Corner by Jackson Dwang’ ball into the box was met by stand in Captain Alpha Onyango who rose above the defense to power home the winner with a decisive header, sending the Green army into a frenzy.
Gor Mahia withdrew goal scorers Dwang’ and Alpha Onyango for Fidel Origa and Ben Stanley as they reinforced the midfield to protect their lead.
With six minutes of added time signaled, another change followed, Patrick Essombe coming on for Adu-Kwaw.
K’Ogalo held firm through the closing stages, seeing out the scoreline to secure a hard-fought victory.
At full-time, the celebrations spilled beyond the stadium. Chants of the famous “K’Ogalo Nyamridhi” echoed through the night as fans braved light showers and the Nairobi cold, dancing and marching from Kasarani all the way toward the CBD. It was more than just a win, it was a statement of intent from a side now firmly in control of the title race, needing just 6 more victories to record title number 22.
