Gor Mahia took a massive step toward clinching another FKF Premier League title after grinding out a tense 1-0 win over Shabana in a chaotic Nyanza Derby clash that was marred by fan violence, delays, and late drama at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
This was far more than just a football match — it was a fiery battle between two passionate fanbases, two proud sides, and two teams desperately pushing for very different goals this season. While Gor Mahia were chasing title glory, Shabana were seeking bragging rights and redemption on home soil.
Delays and Disruptions Set the Tone
The game was set for a 2:00 PM kickoff, but tensions boiled over hours before the first whistle. Reports indicated a violent clash erupted over fan section allocations in the stadium, with Gor Mahia supporters allegedly breaching the zones meant for Shabana fans.
The situation spiraled into chaos, with several supporters sustaining injuries in the melee. It took nearly 40 minutes for security officials to restore some level of order and allow the players onto the pitch. The actual kickoff was delayed until 2:38 PM EAT.
Despite the uneasy calm, the match proceeded under an electric and tense atmosphere. The stadium, packed with over 12,000 fans, buzzed with anticipation for what was expected to be a fiercely contested derby — and it did not disappoint.
Unfortunate scenes at the Gusii Stadium #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/ehZlPE1Yff
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 4, 2025
Cagey Start, Shabana Press Early
Once underway, Shabana took the initiative. Backed by their vocal home support, they launched wave after wave of attacks in the opening minutes. Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews was called into action repeatedly, denying Darius Msagha from close range before smothering a dangerous cross that had the K’Ogalo backline scrambling.
Despite Shabana’s intensity, Gor Mahia weathered the storm and managed to get into halftime with the match still goalless. The visitors looked conservative, perhaps rattled by the tension around the game, and struggled to connect in the final third.
Owino Steps Up with a Priceless Header
The second half began in similar fashion — scrappy, physical, and emotionally charged. Both coaches made changes in a bid to find the breakthrough, but it wasn’t until the 79th minute that the match was finally lit up by a decisive moment.
Gor Mahia Beat Shabana at the Gusii Stadium
Sylvester Owino’s All Important goal in the 1-0 Win #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/7xCxTnwkFu
— The Truthful Men (@Dollar__SM) May 4, 2025
It came from a set piece. Substitute Bryson Wangai swung in a dangerous corner from the left, and Sylvester Owino — unmarked in the box — rose highest to nod the ball past Maxwell Mulili. The goal sent the Gor Mahia fans into a frenzy and silenced the home crowd. But the drama was far from over.
More Chaos as Fans Delay Restart
Owino’s goal appeared to inflame tensions once again, as a fresh round of chaos from the stands halted the restart for 10 minutes. When play finally resumed, only a single minute had been added to regulation time.
But incredibly, yet another stoppage followed, this time lasting a full 21 minutes. The game, already brimming with tension and edge, now felt like it was teetering on the brink of being abandoned.
| MATCH UPDATE
Game on temporary pause as the home side become unruly following the beautiful opener by Sylvester. They can’t believe……
90+5′ | Shabana 0-1 Gor Mahia #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/DSWNt3E4b1
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) May 4, 2025
Still, referee Israel Mpaima kept the game alive, and after what felt like an eternity, the full-time whistle was blown in the 115th minute. Gor Mahia had done just enough to escape with three points — but not without drama, bruises, and frayed nerves.
Shabana’s Missed Opportunity, Gor’s Massive Win
For Shabana, the result will sting. They had the better chances early on and will feel hard done by, especially with the delays and disruptions that shifted the flow of the match.
For Gor Mahia, however, this was a statement win. In a season filled with obstacles, they found a way to grind out a result in the most difficult of circumstances. Owino’s 79th-minute header might just be one of the defining goals of the campaign.
The victory keeps K’Ogalo on course for another title, but this win will be remembered as much for the off-field drama as for the on-pitch action. A derby full of intensity, emotion, and late heroics — the kind of win champions are made of.
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