Gor Mahia’s tough start to the FKF Premier League season continued on Wednesday, as the defending champions fell to a 2-0 defeat against Bandari United at the Ukunda showground in Kwale County.
Geoffrey Ojunga and Benja Nyamawi scored decisive second-half goals for Bandari, further straining Gor Mahia’s campaign and forcing coach Leonardo Neiva to be escorted away from agitated fans at the end.
Bandari came close to scoring within the first two minutes when midfielder Geoffrey Ojunga’s powerful 30-yard free kick was parried for a corner by Gor Mahia goalkeeper Caleb Otieno. The home team kept up the pressure, with Gor’s defense managing to stop Alfred Emoni’s impressive bicycle kick in the 20th minute. Gor Mahia struggled to break through Bandari’s solid defense, as key players Chris Ochieng and Austin Odhiambo were unable to get a shot on target in the first half.
In a pivotal moment just before halftime, Austin Odhiambo’s free kick narrowly missed the crossbar. Early in the second half, Gor’s striker Morrison Enock had a chance after being set up by Odhiambo, but his shot went wide.
Gor Mahia’s woes deepened in the 67th minute when captain Geoffrey Ochieng received a red card for a foul on Bandari’s star player Izzadin Ramadhan just outside the box. Ojunga capitalized on the resulting free kick, curling a stunning shot into the top corner from 25 yards to give Bandari a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Benja Nyamawi doubled the advantage, slotting home a pass from Ramadhan to seal Bandari’s victory.
The match was temporarily halted for over half an hour after scuffles broke out among the fans, resulting in injuries to five spectators. Once calm was restored, the referee resumed play for the remaining six minutes, allowing Bandari to secure the win.
Bandari’s goalkeeper James Omusinde made a strong debut, stepping in for the unwell Bryne Omondi. Head coach Ken Odhiambo praised his team’s performance, stating, “I’m proud of how our players showed character and executed our game plan, especially in the second half where we expected Gor Mahia to press harder.”
In other league action, Sofapaka and Kenya Police FC played out a 1-1 draw at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi. Joseph Kuloba gave Sofapaka an early lead in the ninth minute, but Police FC’s David Okoth equalized early in the second half, securing a point for his side.
