The 98th Mashemeji Derby featured a dramatic game between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper Kevin Omondi received a red card in the 35th minute of the game. This left the team in a precarious position, but Caleb Otieno stepped up to secure a victory for K’Ogalo. Throughout the game, Gor Mahia appeared comfortable and in control.

They moved the ball with ease and faced minimal resistance from the AFC Leopards backline. In contrast, AFC Leopards struggled to maintain possession and lost the ball frequently, frustrating their fans. The modern era of goalkeeping demands more than shot-stopping skills. Goalkeepers are now expected to be adept with their feet and comfortable playing the ball out from the back.

However, a defensive error from AFC Leopards led to a goal, raising concerns about the goalkeeper’s performance and prompting accusations of premeditated mistakes from conspiracy theorists. The match also saw disciplinary issues, with Omondi receiving criticism for his red card and the subsequent reaction from the fans. Nonetheless, Otieno’s performance in goal was commendable, as he made crucial saves and maintained the team’s defensive shape. Overall, the game was marked by tension both on and off the field, but ultimately delivered an exciting showdown for the fans.

In conclusion, the 98th Mashemeji Derby was a memorable contest, with the goalkeepers playing a significant role in the outcome.

Benson Omalla’s brace guided Gor to a 0-2 win in the first leg match, restoring their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with victory. The experienced midfielder, who is the most senior player at the club, has been central to the club’s success in recent years. On the upcoming match against their bitter rivals AFC Leopards, Wendo expressed confidence in Gor’s ability to secure a win and maintain their excellent head-to-head record in the fixture. Owalo visited Gor at their training ground, providing the team with a financial package and delivering a motivational talk.

Wendo viewed Owalo’s support as a source of motivation for the team, emphasizing the importance of winning the upcoming fixture. Several players, including Onyango and Ochieng, expressed their anticipation for the derby and the need to protect Gor’s reputation in the fixture. Onyango, who has never missed a derby since joining Gor, and Otieno, who will miss the match due to injury, both voiced their support for the team and emphasized the solid preparations and incentive provided by Owalo as motivating factors. Additionally, Wangai, who joined the club last year, expressed his eagerness for a chance to play in the upcoming match and make a significant contribution.

He highlighted the importance of performing well in the derby and expressed his desire to secure playing time and potentially make a significant impact on the game.

Naaman Balecho. Gor Mahia managed to extend their lead at the top of the table to 8 points. Kariobangi Sharks and Ulinzi Stars put a dent in Tusker and Bandari’s title charge, respectively.

The Kenyan topflight resumed after a long international break and ended with crucial victories in the relegation end of the table as the top remained largely unchanged. Here are the talking points from the weekend action. Lloyd Kavuchi, Mathew Tegisi, and Bryan Michira scored for Tore Bobe against the Mailmen, who continue to fall down the pecking order despite looking like a title challenger not long ago.

Coach Sammy Omollo knows the road to redemption is still very long – they are still 6 points adrift of safety – but with 27 points to fight for, there is no giving up. George Onyango, captain for the day, said: “We showed we can compete. We are not in the position we wanted to be but we will take one game at a time.”

Next up, they travel to Muhoroni Youth where it looks like they will face more than just a football match. Just ask City Stars. The City boys had a lot to say about officiating in the defeat as they had three of their goals chalked off.

Their goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe described the match as ‘pathetic and very disgusting.’

A lot has always been said about the Muhoroni Stadium, from hostility to biased refereeing to a dangerous playing surface but it feels deliberate that no action has been taken by the league’s administration. City Stars are the latest, and won’t be the last team, to raise complaints, but as has been the case over the years, no investigations will be done. It doesn’t make for a good reading if you are visiting Muhoroni at the weekend.

Shabana is the next opponent, or victim. It feels safe to say they will have their own grievances. Tusker’s four-game winning run had many pundits beginning to think they could surmount a late title charge but defeat against Kariobangi Sharks at the weekend has raised doubts.

It was a five-goal thriller in Machakos, with Sharks winning by the odd goal scored by Julius Masaba. John Makwatta’s brace had given then restored Sharks’ lead with Tusker scoring through Dennis Oguta and Deogratious Ojok. However, Masaba had the final say as Sharks made it 8 goals in two matches, having thumped Posta Rangers 5-1 in their previous league encounter.

The Brewers remain second, 8 points behind league leaders Gor Mahia, who were also held to a barren stalemate. It has been a remarkable turnaround for Abdallah Juma’s side who were looking like they would be sucked into the relegation dogfight just four matchdays ago. They were some class above Nzoia who went behind inside ten minutes, Joe Wathira giving the hosts the lead.

Titus Kapchanga made it 2-0 at the stroke of half-time with Batts Awita and Maxwell Odada making sure of the points with two late strikes. Seal are now just a point off the top 8 as they embark on a tricky run of fixtures that has them facing a wounded City Stars, Muhoroni Youth, as well as leaders Gor Mahia and Tusker. Whatever happens, at least they know survival is guaranteed.

With Tusker losing a day earlier, Kogalo had the chance to extend their merit at the summit but they failed to find a way past Homeboyz who are now on a seven-game unbeaten run. Goals have run dry for Johnathan McKinstry’s men who, besides the 4-0 drubbing of Posta in early March, have scored more than twice in only one of their last 10 matches. The boss doesn’t sound troubled though as their rivals failed to take advantage.

“Any team offered an eight-point lead with nine games to go would take it. So, we go into the next game against Nzoia in a good mood,” he said in his post-match interview.

Benson Omala, the current top scorer on 9 goals, missed last season’s Golden Boot by a single goal. Unfortunately, the move that would have seen him earn a net salary of approximately Ksh 1 million did not happen. Gor Mahia attacker Benson Ochieng Oluoch revealed his dreams of playing professional football in the English Premier League (EPL).

He expressed his desire to move to the EPL as it is one of the world’s biggest football leagues, stating that every player dreams of playing there. Omala’s football journey began at the age of seven at the Kisumu-based club Chipolopolo FC. He then went on to feature for sides such as Manyatta United and Western Stima.

He attributes Manyatta United for nurturing his talent, as the club had a good structure with coaches in charge of different categories. Omala explained that living in Kisumu served as motivation for him to succeed in the competitive football industry. He started football as a leisure activity, which later turned into his passion.

He noted that football is now a well-paying career. The leading Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) goal scorer described himself as a simple, friendly guy who enjoys interacting with people and listening to reggae and afro beats to get psyched up ahead of football matches.

Gor Mahia would have received 3.2 million shillings for transferring Benson Omala. In addition to the financial benefit, Omala was offered a package that included a net monthly salary of Ksh 1,312,720, a house, a personal car, match bonuses, and medical insurance. The failed move to Algerian side JS Saoura for a six-month loan transfer was addressed by Gor Mahia manager Jonathan McKinstry.

The deal would have seen Omala earn a monthly net pay of approximately Ksh 1,298, 817, along with other benefits such as access to a paid medical cover, a house, and a personal car. McKinstry emphasized that Omala’s commitment to the club remains unaffected despite the missed opportunity, stating his determination to perform well for the team, friends, and fans. McKinstry also revealed that the club gave Omala a few days’ break to overcome the disenchantment.

The reasons behind the failed deal were explained by McKinstry, citing the importance of ensuring the correctness and accuracy of the paperwork. He expressed disappointment for Omala and mentioned that the club had been willing to allow him to pursue the opportunity, emphasizing the significance of doing things correctly rather than hastily.

Benson Omalla, el delantero internacional de Harambee Stars y Gor Mahia, está a punto de completar su traspaso al equipo argelino JS Saoura. Según documentos vistos, Omalla, actual líder en la tabla de goleadores de la Football Kenya Federation Premier League 23/24 con 9 goles, se mudará a Saoura en un préstamo de seis meses. Gor Mahia recibirá más de 3.5 millones de chelines por el trato.

El equipo argelino confirmó que solo realizarán el pago una vez que completen el traspaso en el Sistema de Emparejamiento de Transferencias (TMS) y después de que el jugador realice pruebas médicas durante una visita física. JS Saoura hará el pago de la compensación del préstamo solo después de recibir el TMS y las visitas físicas y médicas del jugador. El traspaso deberá cumplir con todas las formalidades requeridas por las regulaciones de la FIFA y/o las respectivas Asociaciones Nacionales para completar el traspaso, según el documento.

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