League leaders Gor Mahia FC moved a step closer to reclaiming the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after an impressive 3–1 victory over Murang’a Seal FC at Nyayo National Stadium, while Bidco United FC officially suffered relegation following a narrow defeat to Shabana FC in Wang’uru.

In a charged atmosphere at Nyayo, Gor Mahia once again showed the quality and resilience that has defined their campaign this season. K’Ogalo started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute through Samuel Kapen, who latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Shariff Musa before calmly looping the ball over the goalkeeper after beating the offside trap.

Murang’a Seal, however, refused to sit back and responded positively after conceding. They gradually settled into the contest and continued to pile pressure on Gor Mahia’s defence. Their efforts paid off in the 38th minute when Kpl top scorer Joe Waithera capitalized on a mix-up involving Frank Odhiambo and Brighton Onyona to slot home the equaliser and register his 16th goal of the season.

The first half ended level at 1–1, but Gor Mahia returned from the break a different animal. Shariff Musa, who was a constant threat throughout the match, repeatedly troubled Murang’a Seal’s wingbacks with his pace, movement, and direct attacking play. His influence became even more evident in the 52nd minute when he found space inside the box and finished clinically to restore Gor Mahia’s lead.

Murang’a Seal continued to search for another equalizer, with Waithera nearly adding his second goal of the evening from a dangerous low free-kick that forced an excellent save from Byrne Omondi. Despite the pressure, Gor Mahia maintained control of the match and continued to attack relentlessly through the flanks, with Samuel Kapen’s long throws and Musa’s creativity causing constant problems for the visitors.

Coach Charles Akonnor made his first substitution in the 66th minute, introducing Ebenezer Assifuah for Patrick Essombe, and the change proved decisive almost immediately. The Ghanaian forward needed only a few minutes to make his impact, finishing off a quick attacking move orchestrated by Shariff Musa to extend Gor Mahia’s lead to 3-1.

Assifuah nearly grabbed another goal after brilliantly beating the offside trap, but his effort was controversially ruled out, much to the frustration of the Gor Mahia supporters. His evening was later cut short after he picked up an injury and was substituted in the closing stages of the match.

Further changes saw Jackson Dwang and Silvester Owino introduced into the game, with Dwang particularly standing out after bringing stability to midfield while also offering an attacking spark. One of his brilliant build-up plays resulted in the ball finding the back of the net, only for the goal to once again be ruled offside in a decision that left fans stunned.

Despite late pressure from Murang’a Seal, Gor Mahia remained composed and comfortably saw out the victory to stay firmly in control of the title race. The win leaves K’Ogalo 4 points clear at the top of the table, with the club now requiring just one more victory to officially reclaim the league title they lost last season to Kenya Police FC.

The result also places Gor Mahia on the verge of a major financial boost. Winning the league would secure approximately Ksh. 15 million in prize money, while qualification for the CAF Champions League would reportedly bring in an additional Ksh. 13.5 million, putting the club within reach of nearly Ksh. 28.5 million in earnings.

Shariff Musa, who was deservedly named Man of the Match after producing two assists and a goal, said the team understood the importance of the fixture following the victory of their closest challengers a day earlier.

“We knew what was needed after our closest challengers won yesterday. We are working hard to bring the title home. This 22nd title will be dedicated to our late patron Raila Odinga, who left us six months ago. He was a generational leader not only to the club but also to the country,” said Musa Shariff.

Earlier in Wang’uru, Bidco United’s six-year stay in the FKF Premier League came to a painful end after a 1-0 defeat to Shabana FC. The Thika-based side desperately needed maximum points to keep their survival hopes alive, but their resistance was broken in the 81st minute when defender Stephen Okola was penalised for fouling Assis Mambote Batshi inside the box.

The Congolese forward confidently converted the resulting penalty to seal all three points for Shabana and confirm Bidco United’s relegation with two matches still remaining in the season. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter for a side that earned promotion to the top flight during the 2019/20 NSL season.

Bidco now join Sofapaka FC among the clubs relegated this season, while Shabana’s victory moved them 4th.

Here’s the League standings