Gor Mahia, Bandari, and Shabana lit up the FKF-Premier League midweek action with impressive wins that delivered not just points but also much-needed morale boosts for their respective squads. It was a week of redemption for some and resurgence for others, as teams battled to shape the league standings in their favor.
At Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Gor Mahia reminded their fans why they are the defending champions with a solid 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz. Interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, in his first match at the helm following the sacking of Leonardo Neiva, showed his tactical acumen by guiding the team to their first win in five matches. The pressure was mounting on the record champions after a string of poor results, but goals from Boniface Omondi in the first half and Bryson Wangai in stoppage time ensured Gor Mahia earned all three points. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. With this result, Gor climbed to eighth in the standings with 11 points, still 10 shy of league leaders KCB, but with three games in hand. Otieno expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance, emphasizing the importance of starting fresh. “The boys showed fight, and this win will boost our confidence. We’re not where we want to be yet, but this is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Meanwhile, over at Gusii Stadium, Shabana continued their remarkable resurgence with a 2-1 victory over AFC Leopards. The win marked their third consecutive triumph and moved them up to seventh place with 12 points. For Shabana, a team that has often flown under the radar, this was yet another sign that they are a force to be reckoned with this season. Their fans roared with approval as the team dug deep to overcome a Leopards side that seemed increasingly lost. Leopards, now winless in five games, remain stuck on 11 points, their last victory coming way back on September 21 against Bidco United. Questions about Leopards’ form and direction continue to linger, with their passionate supporters growing restless. Shabana’s coach praised his team’s grit, while for Leopards, the road to recovery looks uncertain.
Down at the Ukunda Showground in Kwale, Bandari gave their fans a performance to savor with a dominant 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks. After a frustrating goalless draw in their last match against Kakamega Homeboyz, Bandari came out with intent and aggression. The game turned in the 30th minute when Sharks captain Ian Karani, under pressure, accidentally headed a Siraj Mohammed free kick into his own net. The Dockers controlled the tempo from there, nearly doubling their lead before halftime through Brian Otieno, whose header sailed just wide.
Coach Ken Odhiambo made a bold call at halftime, bringing on Beja Nyamawi, and the decision paid off almost immediately. Seven minutes into the second half, Nyamawi raced onto a through ball and calmly chipped it over Sharks goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa to seal the victory. Sharks tried to respond, but Bandari’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi delivering a standout performance. Odhiambo couldn’t hide his delight, calling the win a turning point after their missed chances in previous games. “We needed this. The boys showed character, and we capitalized when it mattered,” he said. Sharks coach William Muluyia was gracious in defeat, admitting Bandari’s superiority. “They wanted it more, and it showed. We’ll have to go back and fix our mistakes,” he reflected.
These matches not only brought excitement but also shook up the league standings. Gor Mahia’s victory helped them ease out of crisis mode, while Shabana’s rise to seventh underscores their growing confidence. Bandari, now third with 16 points, are firmly in the mix for a top finish, level with second-placed Mara Sugar, who suffered a narrow defeat to Tusker FC. As the league marches on, it’s clear that every point matters, and for teams like Gor Mahia and Bandari, the fightback has only just begun. Their wins this week weren’t just about the scoreboard—they were about belief, resilience, and a promise of more to come.
