Gor Mahia’s bid to retain the FKF Premier League title suffered a major blow after a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals AFC Leopards in a tense Mashemeji Derby at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday.
The record champions were in urgent need of all three points to keep pace in the title race.
Their hopes were briefly lifted when Austin Odhiambo opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 31st minute.
However, their lead was short-lived, as Brian Wanyama capitalized on a defensive lapse just five minutes into the second half to draw Leopards level—leaving Gor fans frustrated.
K’Ogalo interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno lamented his side’s defensive error that cost them the win.
“I’m very disappointed. This is a match we had prepared to win. We were in control until that lapse at the back,” he said.
The result leaves Gor Mahia second on 55 points, trailing league leaders Kenya Police FC by six points with only two games remaining.
Police FC now need just a single point from their final two matches—against Shabana and Gor Mahia—to clinch their maiden league title.
Acknowledging the uphill battle ahead, Coach Zico conceded that the title is likely beyond their reach.
AFC Leopard’s Brian Wanyama scored the equalizer.
“I don’t think there’s any hope left for us in the league. The gap is too big. Our focus now shifts to the FKF Cup,” he admitted.
Gor Mahia’s championship hopes are now hanging by a thread, dependent on unlikely slip-ups from both Kenya Police and second-placed Tusker FC.
For the Green Army, it’s a bitter setback in an intense and closely-fought title race.
