Sylvester Owino's goal was enough to give Gor Mahia all the three points to break Shabana hearts at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii on Sunday.
Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia edged a determined Shabana FC side 1-0 in a tense showdown at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a match that was unfortunately tainted by disturbing scenes of fan violence before kickoff.
The fixture, billed as one of the biggest in Kisii County in recent years, had to be delayed by 30 minutes after violent clashes erupted between rival fans.
Multiple injuries were reported as security forces struggled to contain the chaos. Despite the unrest, match officials decided to proceed with the game, even as echoes of the earlier violence lingered in the stands.
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First half
On the pitch, Gor Mahia boss Sinisa Mihić adopted a conservative game plan, deploying Earnest Wendo, Alpha Onyango, and Lawrence Juma in a compact midfield unit designed to make it tough for Shabana’ creative players to create inroads.
Shabana coach Peter Okidi stuck with his trusted lineup, handing a start to the lively James Mazembe.
The first half offered few clear-cut chances, although Shabana came close in the 30th minute when Darius Msagha forced Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews into a smart save.
The game remained goalless at the break.
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Second half
Both coaches shuffled their packs at halftime. Bryson Wangai and Musa Shariff came on for or Mahia, while Austine Odongo was forced off due to injury, prompting Shabana to bring on Kevin Nyabuto Omundi and Marvin Ochieng just before the hour mark.
The match remained cagey, with Gor Mahia probing patiently. Shabana’s Derrick ‘Sniper’ Oketch made way for Nehemiah Onchirii in the 62nd minute as Okidi searched for attacking impetus.
However, it was Gor Mahia who found the breakthrough in the 79th minute. Defender Sylvester Owino rose highest to head home a well-delivered set-piece, silencing the home fans and giving K’Ogalo a crucial lead.
“Sema kichwa kama teke,” quipped the club on social media – loosely translating to “Call that a header with the power of a kick.”
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Shabana's attempts to rally were further hindered when Brian Michira suffered a head injury and had to be replaced by Duke Nyamweya in the 76th minute, just minutes before the decisive goal.
Following the goal, the game had to be halted momentrarily after the home crowd became unruly, clearly incensed
Gor Mahia held on for the win, claiming the bragging rights in a fiery Kisii derby that will be remembered as much for the violence off the pitch as the drama on it.
With the win, Gor Mahia are now on 53 points, three behind Kenya Police, who also won their game in Machakos courtesy of Marvine Nabwire to keep their lead at the top very intact.
Shabana remain fourth on 46 points,