Gor Mahia continued their FKF Premier League title charge with a dramatic 1-0 win over Shabana in a chaotic and emotionally charged Nyanza Derby at Gusii Stadium on Sunday, 4 May.
The game, which ended in the 115th minute, saw Sylvester Owino emerge as the unlikely hero in a clash defined by tension, violence, and delayed play.
FKF Premier League match marred by crowd trouble
Before the ball was even kicked, the FKF Premier League encounter between Gor Mahia and Shabana had already spiraled into controversy. Kickoff, originally scheduled for 2:00 PM EAT, was delayed by 42 minutes after fans from both sides clashed over stadium seating arrangements.
According to reports from the Daily Nation, Shabana supporters had been granted seven of the stadium’s ten seating sections, leaving Gor Mahia fans with just three.
Unfortunate scenes at the Gusii Stadium #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/ehZlPE1Yff
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 4, 2025
The disparity sparked fury among K’Ogalo loyalists, who allegedly stormed the opposition-designated areas, leading to violent scenes and injuries that required medical attention.
It wasn’t until 2:38 PM EAT that order was restored, and players finally walked out to begin a game already overshadowed by off-pitch chaos.
Physical FKF Premier League battle from the first whistle
Once the action got underway, the FKF Premier League fixture lived up to its billing as a no-holds-barred affair. Both sides, desperate for regional bragging rights and league relevance, engaged in a tight, bruising battle from the outset.
Shabana looked the brighter in the opening stages, with the impressive Darius Msagha repeatedly testing Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Matthews. Msagha first stung Matthews’ gloves with a low drive and later forced a hurried parry from a dangerous cross. Roared on by a vocal home crowd, Shabana appeared eager to exploit their early momentum.
Gor Mahia, however, looked more composed. The FKF Premier League defending champions absorbed the pressure, focused on maintaining defensive structure, and ensured the match remained goalless at halftime.
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Owino’s moment of glory in tense second half
The second half began with both managers ringing in the changes in a bid to swing momentum in their favor. Despite the substitutions, the FKF Premier League match remained physical and evenly poised, until Sylvester Owino stepped up.
| MATCH UPDATE
Sylvester Owino puts us ahead with a head. Sema kichwa kama teke….
80′ | Shabana 0-1 Gor Mahia #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/IzSCLCnvWk
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) May 4, 2025
In the 79th minute, substitute Bryson Wangai whipped in a corner from the left. Unmarked inside the box, Owino rose highest to head home past Maxwell Mulili, giving Gor Mahia the lead and silencing the home support.
The goal ignited fresh unrest, with Shabana fans halting the match for 10 minutes in protest, forcing players and officials to once again wait on the pitch.
More drama, more stoppages, and a marathon finale
As the match entered added time, what should have been a routine conclusion turned into yet another dramatic scene. A second delay, this time lasting a staggering 21 minutes, pushed the final whistle well past the 90-minute mark. The FKF Premier League clash finally concluded after 115 minutes, with referee Israel Mpaima bringing an end to one of the most turbulent games of the season.
Gor Mahia’s FKF Premier League title push strengthened
With the win, Gor Mahia further solidified their position at the top of the FKF Premier League standings. The result was as much a statement of resilience as it was about quality. Navigating through hostility, off-pitch violence, and long delays, the champions proved once again why they remain the team to beat in the FKF Premier League.
For Shabana, the defeat was not just painful because of the loss but also due to the missed opportunity to assert themselves in front of their home fans. Despite showing early promise, their lack of composure in critical moments and the off-pitch distractions cost them dearly.
Owino, Matthews shine amid chaos
Sylvester Owino’s headed winner will undoubtedly go down as one of the most important goals of the FKF Premier League season. In a match full of tension, his ability to stay focused and deliver when it mattered most earned him hero status among the Gor Mahia faithful.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Gad Matthews once again showed why he is regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers in the FKF Premier League. His calm presence and key saves in the first half were instrumental in keeping Shabana at bay and allowing his team to settle into the game.
