In a thrilling FKF Premier League clash on Monday evening, 10-man Nairobi City Stars handed defending champions Gor Mahia their first defeat of the 2024-2025 season, edging them out 2-1 at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium on October 28. Despite taking an early lead, Gor Mahia’s unbeaten start came to an unexpected halt, leaving their coach Leo Martins Neiva with much to ponder.
Gor Mahia, missing five key players on national duty with Harambee Stars for the CHAN Qualifiers, initially seemed on track as Levin Odhiambo broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Odhiambo’s screamer sailed past City Stars’ goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe, giving K’Ogalo an advantage they hoped to sustain.The match went into the break with Gor Mahia on the steering wheel with a 1-0 lead.
However,in the second half City Stars quickly regrouped, taking advantage of Gor’s makeshift defense , which lacked the coordination typical of their usual backline. Robinson Asenwa proved a constant thorn in Gor Mahia’s side, equalizing just past the hour mark as he slipped past defenders to slot home. Minutes later, Dennis Oalo, once a Gor Mahia player himself, struck again for City Stars. His chest-controlled finish from an Asenwa cross put City Stars ahead, leaving Gor Mahia searching for answers.
City Stars’ resilience was tested further when defender Edwin Buliba received a second yellow card in the 89th minute, reducing them to 10 men. Yet, even with added time and an extra player on the field, Gor Mahia failed to capitalize, unable to breach a City Stars defense that dug deep to secure their first win of the season.
This defeat also underscored the challenges Gor Mahia faces with several players away, as Neiva’s rotated squad struggled to maintain rhythm and possession. Though Odhiambo’s goal came off a fortunate bounce, Gor Mahia rarely posed a consistent threat, with City Stars creating more significant scoring chances through Asenwa, Sven Yidah, Mohammed Bajaber, and Oalo.
City Stars’ victory lifts them out of the relegation zone, providing a much-needed morale boost. For Gor Mahia, the match revealed vulnerabilities in their squad depth as they prepare to face Murang’a Seal, hoping for the swift return of their 5 key players in Alphonse Omija, Sylvester Owino Ronney Onyango, Austine Odhiambo and assistant captain Geoffrey Ochieng who are on international duty with the Harambee Stars in CHAN Qualifiers to restore balance to the squad.