Gor Mahia Coach Abandons Title Aspiration After Mashemeji Derby Dissapointment

Gor Mahia interim head coach Zedekiah Otieno has conceded defeat in the FKF Premier League title race after his side’s 1-1 draw against bitter rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby played on Monday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

The result dealt a heavy blow to K’Ogalo’s hopes of retaining their crown, leaving them six points behind league leaders Kenya Police with just two matches left.

Austin Odhiambo opened the scoring early for Gor Mahia, only for Brian Wanyama to restore parity for AFC Leopards, extending Gor’s winless streak to three matches.

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Otieno lamented the team’s defensive lapses, citing them as a recurring issue that had now cost them crucial points.

“I think lack of concentration in defense cost us today,” Otieno said after the match.

“Our previous game we conceded from a throw-in, and today again from a set-piece. It’s a concern that we can work on going forward but I’m very disappointed because this is a match we planned on how to win.”

While Gor Mahia remain mathematically in the race, their fate no longer lies in their own hands.

They must win their final two games and hope that Kenya Police lose both of theirs.

With a superior goal difference, Gor could edge Police only if the latter drops all points.

However, a draw for Police in their upcoming clash against Shabana on June 11 would be enough to seal the title.

Otieno, however, appears to have shifted focus entirely completely abandoning their title aspirations.

“I don’t think there is any other chance (to win the league),” he admitted.

“As you can see, the gap is widening between us and Police, and now we cannot talk about the league anymore.”

With the league title slipping out of reach, Otieno has now redirected the club’s focus to the FKF Cup final, where Gor Mahia will take on Nairobi United.

The National Super League side has impressed by eliminating top-flight teams en route to the final.

Winning the Cup would be a silver lining to an otherwise underwhelming finish to the league campaign.