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3 reasons Gor Mahia lost the FKF Cup final to Nairobi United.
In a season where Gor Mahia had their eyes firmly set on a domestic double, the FKF Cup Final against Nairobi United was supposed to be the coronation.
Instead, it ended in heartbreak — ahttps://www.pulsesports.co.ke/football/story/capital-shock-nairobi-united-stun-gor-mahia-to-lift-historic-fkf-cup-2025062913001622664 2-1 loss that left fans furious, players disoriented, and coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno under immense scrutiny.
While Nairobi United deserved credit for their composure and execution, this final was defined more by Gor Mahia's self-inflicted wounds than by being outplayed.
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Here are the three key decisions that ultimately cost Gor Mahia their shot at cup glory.
Untimely Substitutions by Zico
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Heading into the clash, Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno opted to deploy a rigid 4-4-2 shape on and off the ball, with Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison starting as part of a double pivot midfield alongside Alpha Onyango.
Ben Stanley Omondi - who scored Gor Mahia’s goal, started on the left, with Sharrif Musa on the other flank, with the idea seemingly being to allow Omondi to drift narrow and support Austin Odhiambo - who was deployed behind Benson Omala - upfront.
At the back, Alphonce Omija started as the right back, with Joshua Onyango and Sylvester Owino manning the defence. Meanwhile at left back, Bryton Onyona was given the nod to support Omondi.
After struggling to find rhythm for the opening 20 minutes of the game, the side started gaining control.
Even for Gor Mahia’s equaliser by Omondi, it was after Shariff Musa stretched the defence well down the right before unleashing a cross into the box that was poorly cleared by the Nairobi United defence before the former Sofapaka man struck the ball sweetly into the back of the net.
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However, Otieno opted to sub on Bryson Wangai in the 60th minute, taking off the goalscorer in the process - with the idea seemingly being to get someone that would whip crosses into the box, while Charles Babale - a center forward - came in as an inverted right winger.
He also brought in Lawrence Juma for Enock Morrison, which could directly have led to the winning goal by Nairobi United through Enock Mashaka considering the space they exploited in the middle, with Juma dragged out of position by Duncan Omala, who pre-assisted the winner.
Dropping Gad Matthews Otieno For Kevin Omondi
It was a surprising decision by Zico to drop Gad Mathews Otieno to the bench considering his momentum and form heading into the final.
Otieno won the golden glove in the end, and was on strong momentum. The decision to bring Omondi into the line up considering his sporadic gametime this season therefore raised eyebrows.
Frank Owia’s goal was sublime but you get the feeling Omondi could have done better. Even the second goal, shot from distance, would probably have been dealt with better by a goalkeeper with match sharpness, which Omondi lacked.
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Maybe it is harsh, but that is a decision that may have cost Gor Mahia the match.
Handing Alpha Onyango Penalty Taking Responsibilities
The most surprising decision of them all was to hand penalty taking responsibilities despite Austin Odhiambo and Benson Omala - who were on the pitch when they won the penalty in the 84th minute - better and more seasoned spot kick takers.
Pulse Sports understands the idea was to make him add another goal in order to win the tournament’s golden boot, but in a pressure situation like that with six minutes remaining, maybe it was a daft decision by the team.
Onyango’s penalty was nonchalantly dealt away with by Ernest Muhammed of Nairobi United, and it really summed up Gor Mahia’s season in general.
By full time, angry Gor Mahia fans were baying for Zico’s blood, and he had to be escorted by police officers, who launched tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent the man from suffering more danger.
Final Verdict
Gor Mahia didn’t just lose a final — they lost control of a match they should have had the tools to win. Whether Zico remains in charge or not, the decisions made on this day will echo into the club's off-season and perhaps shape its future.
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