Crowd trouble at Gusii Stadium as Gor Mahia beat rivals Shabana

Gor Mahia moved closer to their goal of winning a record-extending 22nd title after silencing the fans-backed Shabana 1-0 in a chaotic FKF Premier League match played at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County yesterday.

A number of fans were injured in the build-up to the high-octane encounter that had raised eyebrows across social media with many questioning the security status of the match, considering the explosive nature of both Gor and Shabana fans.

After the intervention of police officers, medics and well-wishers, the match finally got underway with the stadium, which was fully packed by 11am, coloured in green and red, the traditional colours of Gor and Shabana.

A blunt first half display followed as both teams failed to take their chances, but it would be the defending champions who had the last laugh after Sylvester Owino headed past Shabana shot stopper Maxwell Mulili to score the winner in the 79th minute.

The 1-0 victory saw Gor Mahia leapfrog Tusker into second place in the standings with 53 points, two points behind leaders Kenya Police who also picked an identical win against Kariobangi Sharks yesterday.

Marvin Nabwire scored the winner for Police in the 50th minute to hand the law enforcers the narrow win at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, three points that cemented their top spot with 55 points.

Tusker drop to third with 51 points after they were held to a 0-0 draw by AFC Leopards on Saturday.

With five matches left until the end of the 2024-2025 season, the race to win the title now remains a fight between defending champions Gor Mahia, leaders Kenya Police and former champions Tusker.

While Shabana might have suffered a huge blow after their defeat to K’Ogalo, they remain a dark force as they sit fourth with 46 points, nine points behind leaders Police.

For Shabana to win the title, they must win all their remaining matches and hope the top three fumble, a scenario that will most certainly be impossible considering.

In the battle to avoid relegation, Murang’a SEAL increased their chances of surviving after also seeing off Nairobi City Stars 1-0 at the SportPesa Arena.

Murang’a now move to 16th, occupying the relegation and promotion playoff spot.