After the Mashemeji Derby draw in Homa Bay, Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno believes the club can still play continental football despite their chances of retaining the FKF Premier League title fading away.
Gor drew 1-1 against AFC Leopards on Monday, a result that handed the 2024-2025 Premier League title to leaders Kenya Police, who now need just one point to be crowned the new champions.
Police lead with 61 points, six ahead of K’Ogalo who need a miracle to win a record extending 22nd Premier League title.
Austin Odhiambo scored in the 30th minute to hand Gor a much deserved 1-0 half time lead after dominating in the first 45 minutes, but Ingwe rescued a point following Brian Wanyama’s 49th minute equaliser at Raila Odinga Stadium.
Played in Homa Bay for the first time, Gor needed to win the 97th Mashemeji Derby by all means to stand a chance of challenging Police for the title.
The law enforcers will be crowned champions on June 14 if they secure a point against Shabana. If they lose to the Glamour Boys and Gor Mahia fail to win against Ulinzi Stars, Police will still be crowned champions.
Speaking after their stalemate in Homa Bay, Gor coach Otieno said the title is out of reach and his players must now go for the FKF Cup.
K’Ogalo will face National Super League champions Nairobi United who have been promoted to the Premier League in the FKF Cup final.
“It’s sad. Lack of concentration at the defense cost us and it will be difficult to talk about the title,” he said.
“I don’t think there is any other chance to win the league. As you can see, the gap is widening between us and Police, and now we cannot talk about the league anymore. Let’s go back and concentrate on the FKF Cup,” said a frustrated Otieno.
The winner of the FKF Cup will represent Kenya in the CAF Confederations Cup.
If Police are crowned champions, they will play in the CAF Champions League.
Last season, Gor won the Premier League and punched their ticket to play in the Champions League while Police who won the FKF Cup played in the Confederations Cup.
Washington Onyango
| Jun 04, 2025