Gor Mahia Falter Again as City Stars Complete Shock Double in FKF Premier League

Images: Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia Falter Again as City Stars Complete Shock Double in FKF Premier League

Festus Chuma 20:40 - 15.05.2025

Dandora Stadium witnessed chaotic scenes as Gor Mahia blew a key chance to close the gap on FKF Premier League leaders.

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have once again let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in the FKF Premier League title race, falling 2-1 to relegation-threatened Nairobi City Stars at the Dandora Stadium on Thursday, May 15.

The loss not only denied K’Ogalo a vital three points but also kept league leaders Kenya Police FC comfortably ahead on the log, with time quickly running out in the season.

Coming into the match, Gor Mahia were firm favourites with the prospect of cutting the gap between themselves and the summit within touching distance.

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City Stars, on the other hand, were scrapping for survival, rooted near the bottom of the table. However, form and history mattered little once the whistle blew.

The Simba wa Nairobi struck first just in the fifth minute when Hansel Ochieng punished a sleepy Gor Mahia defence, slipping past the backline and finishing clinically past goalkeeper Gad Mathews.

Gor Mahia responded almost instantly as Enock Morisson delivered a precise lofted pass into the path of Benson Omalla, who kept his cool to beat Elvis Ochoro and level the scores in the 10th minute.

But City Stars reclaimed their lead in the 17th minute when Hansel Ochieng was brought down by Mathews inside the box, winning a penalty. Vincent Owino stepped up and converted from the spot to restore Simba wa Nairobi's lead, silencing K’Ogalo fans.

Despite a flurry of attacks from Gor Mahia through the likes of Austine Odhiambo, Bryson Wangai, and Shariff Musa, City Stars stood resilient. The halftime whistle came with Simba wa Nairobi clinging onto their 2-1 lead — and deservedly so.

The second half saw Gor Mahia turn up the pressure as coach Sinisa Mihic brought on Geoffrey Ochieng for Levin Odhiambo in a tactical shift aimed at increasing tempo and possession.

More changes followed at the hour mark, with Chris Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, and Boniface Omondi introduced to spark a comeback.

The match reached a boiling point in the 74th minute when frustrated fans stormed the pitch protesting the referee’s decision to ignore what appeared to be a foul on Chris Ochieng inside the box.

The brief interruption was handled quickly, but it highlighted the mounting tension and desperation in the Gor Mahia camp.

After the restart, K’Ogalo continued their offensive push but were repeatedly denied by a well-organized City Stars defence and a stellar performance from goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro.

Even in the dying minutes, with City Stars pinned back Gor Mahia could not find a way through.

The final whistle confirmed a stunning double for City Stars, who had now taken six points from the league giants this season — an impressive feat considering their precarious league position.

How they lined up

Gor Mahia Starting XI: Gad Mathwes, Samwel Onyango, Levin Odhiambo, Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Enock Morisson, Lawrence Juma, Austin Odhiambo, Bryson Wangai, Shariff Musa, Benson Omalla.

City Stars Starting XI: Elvis Ochoro, Wycliffe Omondi, Stephen Bulugu, Salim Odeka, Calvin Masawa, Kevin Juma, Denis Oalo, Kevin Etemesi, Vincent Owino, Hansel Ochieng, Benjamin Murimi.