Police Fire Tear Gas as Gor Mahia Fans Storm Kasarani to Welcome Back CHAN Stars

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia marked the start of the 2025/26 SportPesa League in chaotic fashion as police were forced to fire tear gas and rubber bullets to control crowds at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Fans without tickets attempted to force entry, leaving several people injured in stampedes before calm was restored.

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The 21-time champions were ushering in a new era under former Ghana national team head coach Charles Akonnor.

With a refreshed technical bench and renewed energy after a disappointing trophyless 2024/25 season, K’Ogalo fans were eager to see their team bounce back.

Adding to the excitement was the presence of several players who recently featured for Harambee Stars at the CHAN 2024 tournament, giving fans a sense of pride and optimism.

Tickets for the match were sold exclusively online via Langopass.com, but the huge turnout saw hundreds of supporters show up at the gates without passes, sparking scenes that briefly delayed entry.

Inside, however, Kasarani was electric with green-clad supporters roaring the team on.

Police had to step in when fans tried to gain entry forcefully, using tear gas and later firing warning shots in the air. Medics reported several injuries during the chaos, with some fans treated on site while others were rushed to nearby clinics. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is expected to issue a statement addressing the crowd control issues.

On the pitch, Gor Mahia showed promise despite a cagey first half as the dominated possession, with captain Austin Odhiambo leading from midfield and CHAN stars like Alpha Onyango and Samuel Kapen putting up solid performances. At halftime, it remained 0-0, with Gor Mahia creating chances but failing to beat Bidco goalkeeper Emuria.

The second half saw Akonnor introduce fresh legs, with Fidel and Siraji adding pace and width. Gor Mahia pushed hard for a breakthrough, rattling the woodwork through Odhiambo’s long-range strike and forcing multiple saves from Emuria.

Bidco relied on counterattacks throughout the second half, forcing Gad Mathews into key saves to keep Gor Mahia in the game.

However, the pressure eventually paid off for the visitors in the 89th minute when substitute Newton Ochieng broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, silencing the home crowd and snatching all three points for Bidco United.

Gor Mahia (Starting XI):

Gad Mathews, Paul Ochuoga, Bryton Onyana, Mike Kibwage, Joshua Onyango, Enock Morrison, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo (C), Christopher Ochieng, Samuel Kapen, Ebenezer Adukwam

Substitutes: Bryne, Wendo, Lawrence, Shaban, Fidel, Siraji, Stanley, Sharriff, Bandi, Essombe, Felix, George, Philemon

Bidco United (Starting XI):

Emuria (35), Wainaina (3), Kennedy (20), Kevin (18), Amadi (17), Kassim (6), Musamali (10), Murunga (19), Asiago (22), Kunyili (28), Akite (13)

Substitutes: Wyclifford, Wafula, Meshack, Kelwish, Jacob, Newton, Muna, Kahonge, Raila, Herman