Passionate Gor Mahia fans expressed their frustration by gathering at the team’s dressing room entrance for several minutes, demanding the sacking of head coach Jonathan McKinstry following the team’s 3-2 defeat against Kakamega Homeboyz at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday.
The determined fans pushed past law enforcers to gain access, chanting, “We are fed up!”
However, in a post-match interview, Coach McKinstry defended his players, attributing the loss to simply having a bad day. “We fought hard, but our opponents fought even harder to claim the victory. Homeboyz remained composed throughout the match because they had nothing to lose,” McKinstry explained.
“Our boys faced a dual challenge. We were eager to win the game and secure the league title. This added pressure may have cost us the match,” he added.
Despite the disappointment, the Irish coach emphasized the importance of winning their final match against Nairobi City Stars on Sunday. “The fate of the league will be determined on that day. We have no choice but to secure a victory against City Stars,” McKinstry asserted.
While McKinstry expressed his disappointment, opposing coach Patrick Odhiambo couldn’t hide his satisfaction. “We are delighted with today’s result. We promised to defeat Gor, and we have achieved that,” Odhiambo proudly stated.
“The team is in great shape, and we are looking forward to winning the FKF Cup final against Tusker on July 1,” he added confidently.
The match saw Shafik Kagimu’s diving header, assisted by Austin Odhiambo’s superb cross, give Gor Mahia the lead in the 12th minute. Ambrose Sifuna capitalized on a loose clearance to equalize for Homeboyz in the 38th minute.
Gor Mahia regained the lead in the 47th minute when Austin Odhiambo unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, latching onto James Macharia’s pass. However, Kevin Amwayi quickly dashed Gor Mahia’s hopes with a 56th-minute equalizer. The defeat narrowed the gap between Gor Mahia and second-placed Tusker to just one point.
With Wednesday’s outcome, Gor Mahia remains at the top of the league table with 67 points, one point ahead of defending champions Tusker, who salvaged a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers at the Ruaraka Complex.
In other matches, Bandari secured a 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks at Mbaraki grounds in Mombasa. Wazito kept their hopes of survival alive with a narrow 1-0 win against Bidco United at Thika Stadium.
Sofapaka added to AFC Leopards’ woes by defeating them 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium. Nzoia Sugar’s aspirations for a maiden top-flight title suffered a setback after a 2-0 loss to KCB at Sudi Stadium, while Mathare United and Ulinzi Stars settled for a 1-1 draw. Police FC showcased an impressive performance, defeating Vihiga Bullets 4-1 at the Police Sacco Stadium.
