Gor Mahia go down on spot kicks
Tusker won on penalties with a score of 4-1 after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation. Gor Mahia were missing key players Moses Otieno who had personal commitments, Dan Makori and Edwin Lavatsa (injuries).
Victor Ali Abondo had given Gor Mahia the lead with a well taken free kick in the 11th minute. Tusker came back into the game and snatched an equalizer via Brian Mandela in the 27th minute.
During the penalty shootout, Moses Odhiambo and Donald Mosoti saw their penaties blocked. Only Rama Salim scored from the spot.
All in all it was a balanced match. Teams struggled to complete passes and Gor Mahia’s defence did not look solid.
Gor Mahia Starting XI: Ivo Mapunda, Musa Mohammed,Yusuf Juma, Donald Mosoti , David Owino ,Collins Okoth,Obondo Ali,Rama Salim, Baldin Ngwa,George Midenyo, Moses Odhiambo(Captain)
Subs: Wycliff Kasaya,Kevin ochieng,Anthony Akumu,Selenge Mangili,Peter Juma,Kevin Omondi
Tusker FC Starting XI: Samuel Odhiambo (Cpt),Jockins Atudo,Isaac Otieno, Brian Mandela,Humphrey Okoti,Fredrick Onyango, Joseph Mbugi, Peter Opiyo,Fredrick Ojwang,Patrick Kagogo,Paul Were
Down memory lane: The Inaugural Super Cup
Muroro Pacho
Milimani 89-Strathmore 93
On Saturday , Gor Mahia will face a team that for nearly 40 years has been one of the strongest rivals in the local league in the 2012 edition of the Super Cup. This years edition is known as the DSTV/Supersport supercup. With the big game only a day away, its worthwhile to take a trip down memory lane to revisit the first ever super cup.
The year was 1991. The first ever super cup was sponsored by Standard Newspapers. Gor Mahia had won the league in 1990 under player-coach Austin Oduor. Rivatex had won the local cup, then known as the Moi Golden cup. The now defunct Rivatex FC of Eldoret was by then one of the best teams in the country. With sponsorship from the parent company, they finished 3rd in the 1990 league in addition to winning the Moi Golden cup. They paraded a number of national team players, most notably the sensational Alfayo Odongo who was Kenya player of the year in 1991. On their way to winning the golden cup, they had eliminated Gor Mahia in the second round on penalties. Their Keeper Charles Bwire Namudeche put on a clinic in penalty saving on that day. Yours truly was a ball retriever at Nyayo stadium on that day. The usually sure footed Austin Oduor saw his penalty saved even after the referee had allowed him to re-take it. Muroro-Pacho watched the whole thing from right behind the net. This Super cup was thus going to be a tough match for Kogalo. But they had revenge on their minds.
But it was also bound to be one of the most memorable days for football fans. Aside from the fanfair around the first ever Super Cup, the legendary Zairean band TP OK Jazz were touring Kenya and were due to play in the curtain raiser before the match. Imagine this legendary band curtain raising for Kogalo ! Fans started to troop to Kasarani as early as 8 am.
TP OK Jazz did not dissapoint. Led by legendary composer Lutumba Simaro, they belted out their most popular songs including the recently released hit Anjela by Ndombe Opetum, and others like the classic song Propetaire by Josky among others
Left to Right: Madilu System, Aime Kiwakana, Malage De Lugendo & Josky Kiambukuta
The fans were thoroughly entertained. Madilu walked into the field briefly to show off his dribbling and juggling skills, and received a standing Oh ! from the crowd. Just as the crowd was reaching fever pitch, the concert was brought to an abrupt halt. Why ? Because Standard, the sponsors of the match had organized a womens match between a select Nairobi side pitted against Standard employees. Fans were not amused at seeing TP OK Jazz cut short. You have to understand that in those days, there was no organized womens football. So the women who played were uncoordinated. The one sided match ended 9-0 in favor of the Nairobi select side.
20 Minutes later the main event began. Gor Mahia in white tops and green shorts, were parading sensational new signings including the talented Felix Otieno, and returning goalkeeper Charles Omondi “Korea” while the sensational Ethiopian Michael Teshome Zelleallem stated on the bench.
Gor Mahia dominated the proceedings in the first half as they peppered Charles Bwire. But the latter stood firm between the posts. In the 15th minute, speedy winger Anthony Ndolo scored but his goal was disallowed for offside. Ndolo was on the war path again 20 minutes later. He latched onto a Peter Dawo pass but his shot was parried by Bwire. Rivatex came forcefully into the match towardss the end of the half, launching a series of raids in the Kogalo goalmouth. The first half thus ended scoreless.
Gor Mahia came out storming in the second half. Within 5 minutes they had forced two spectacular saves from Bwire from efforts by George Onyango Fundi and Anthony Ndolo. On 58 minutes, Teshome was introduced for Felix Otieno. With what was basically his first touch of the ball, Teshome unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards. Charles Bwire was caught unawares and did not make an effort to save the ball as it sailed into the net. Fans went into a near delirium.
Before Kogalo fans had finished celebrating, George Onyango “Fundi” scored the second goal when he looped the ball over advancing Rivatex goalkeeper Charles Bwire Namudeche.
Gor Mahia continued to pile pressure even when 2-0 up. Meanwhile the rock solid defence with Tobias Ocholla, D=Zedekiah Otieno “Zico”, Paul Ochieng and skipper Austin Oduor held Rivatex at bay. Dangermen Alfayo Odongo and Charles Babu were effectively neutralized.
Gor Mahia went out winners with a 2-0 margin and pocketed the ksh 200,000 prize money. Rivatex as runners up got ksh 100,000.
Paul Ochieng (sleeping), Mike Teshome, Austin Oduor, Tom Odhiambo, Zedekiah Otieno, ??, Felix Otieno
Gor Mahia went on to win the league in 1991. Felix Otieno’s talents entertained fans throughout the year. But with his indiscipline, he fell out with coach Len Julians and soon left the club. Felix was probably more talented than his elder and more famous brother Benard Otieno “Zico”. It was a shame to see such talent go to waste. The free scoring Tom Odhiambo was an able replacement for Peter Dawo who also left soon after the Super Cup Match. His combination with Jared Ochieng Achieng was reminiscent of Shebe and Omollo years earlier. And of course Allan Odhiambo, a defensive midfielder / stopper, showed his class by scoring 12 goals. Quite an achievement for a defensive player. The biggest disappointment of that year was the poor performance that saw them eliminated by Highlanders of Zimbabwe in the 1st round of the Africa champions cup. It was that disaster that spurred patron Joab Omino to bring Len Julians back.
Both sides confident ahead of clash
Midenyo warns Tusker
From standardmedia.co.ke
Gor Mahia striker George Midenyo has declared that scoring is his business and will not give his former club Tusker any favours.
The brewers clash with Gor in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) curtain raiser, the DSTV Super Cup on Sunday.
The match normally brings together league champions against the Cup holders. Tusker are the league champions, while Gor are the Cup holders.
Midenyo left the club in acrimonious circumstances, after allegedly falling out with them, but he insists that he has nothing personal against his former team.
“Tusker is a good team and we expect a tough match, but we will play our hearts out because a trophy at the beginning of the season is a great thing for any team as it will boost the morale of players,” Midenyo said.
He added: “I have nothing against Tusker, but I will just be doing my job and if I score I will be very happy because that is every striker’s wish.”
Midenyo who was at one moment the leading scorer last season before he suffered an ankle injury that put him out of action for a long spell, said, “the only point I have to prove is for Gor Mahia fans and not Tusker.”
“The current champions should, however, think of settling our dues because all of the players they released are yet to get their share of the Sh3 million for winning the local title,” said Midenyo who had stints with Norway and Swedish clubs before returning to the KPL.
KPL Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda said the match will be aired live on Supersport channel 9 from 3pm on Sunday and tickets go on sale tomorrow at selected outlets.
Tickets for the VIP stand will cost Sh400, while terraces will cost Sh100 and the outlets where they can be purchased are the Nyayo National Stadium Ticketing booth, 20th Century Cinema, City Stadium, Mumbai Plaza Gikomba, Fine Breeze Grill Dagoretti and Kenya Cinema.
Felixinho to be retained
Courtesy of michezoafrika.com
Gor Mahia secretary General George Bwana has said they will not part ways with Nigerian defender Felix Nwosu who has been left out of the club’s official KPL list presented to the Kenyan Premier League Secretariat on Tuesday.
According to Bwana, Felixinho who has been on the headlines for the past week for alleged misconduct will be retained by the club but will be part of the team’s reserve players.
“He will not have an official KPL card to play in our local league but we have agreed to maintain him but as a reserve player.” Said the Secretary General.
The player was down cast in reception of the news but says that he has no otherwise since he is tied by the one year contract he signed with the club.
“It is very unfortunate and I am sad because it is going to be a setback for my career. I signed the contract expecting full flight action in the league and CAF but with this decision, I have no power to change it”, he laments.
“However, I want to work hard so that I can prove myself and win my place back in the team. I will stay loyal to them because I love Gor Mahia. It is every footballer’s aspiration to taste action week in week out. I respect the decision and express my remorse for the circumstances that led to the misunderstanding”, Nwosu told Michezoafrika.com
Felixinho will also not feature in the team’s list of 33 players that was presented to CAF for the Confederations Cup participation.
Donald Mosoti late signing by Kogalo
Courtesy of michezoafrika.com
Late into the night on the death of the Kenyan Premier League transfer window -31st January - and while everybody else was comfortably wrapped up in their blankets, Gor Mahia officials were in other business, trying to fix their center back trouble.
After watching their team’s weak exposure at the back over the weekend during their friendly match against Sudanese giants Al- Mareikh,the technical bench opted to scout around for an added strength at the back and yes, City Stars inspirational skipper Donald Mosoti fit the solution’s description as he was whisked away from Kawangware for a last minute transfer before midnight as confirmed by Gor Mahia secretary General George Bwana.
“We sealed the deal late into the night because upon advise from the technical bench we realized we needed a center back urgently.”, Bwana told Michezoafrika.com
“We looked at all the possible players who could fill that gap and we agreed on Mosoti. He is a very good player and we know he will be of importance to us”, he adds.
The Nigerian import Felix Nwosu who was one of the likely players at the position seems to have been left out of the KPL list as his name as conspicuously missing from the official KPL list.
Felixinho will be retained by the club but will feature in the reserve team.
However, Mosoti will not be available for CAF ties with Gor having already sent their list to CAF.
The defender was City Stars’ pillar last season and his move to Gor Mahia will be a plus to his ever industrious career.
Gor Mahia training in Naivasha
From michezoafrika.com
FKL Cup Champions Gor Mahia are headed to the Serene Rift Valley Town of Naivasha where they are expected to pitch camp for four days before they come back to Nairobi for the season opening DSTV Super Cup match against KPL champions Tusker.
According to Gor secretary General, the team is expected back in Nairobi on Saturday morning before the clash against Tusker FC on Sunday afternoon.
“The team went out this morning and it will be a camp and team building time for the boys before the season. We want to get out of the busy and noisy Nairobi environment and get some place where we can relax and reflect without distraction” Says Bwana.
Gor Mahia have a busy schedule in the new season, kicking off their league campaign against Thika United away in Thika on Sunday February 12th before playing Mozambique Side Ferroviaro a week later in the CAF Confederations Cup in Maputo.
Gor over the weekend were held by visitors Al- Mareikh to a 1-1 draw in a friendly at the Nyayo Stadium.
Video Highlights: Gor Mahia vs El Merreikh
Rave reviews for Jerim, Gattuso, Lucky Dube and Ngwa
Of all the friendly matches Gor Mahia has played during this off season, the match against El Merreikh offered the sternest test yet. This after all is a team that has a budget that makes the top Kenyan teams look village teams. A team known to pay their top players such as Steven Worgu up to $ 1million. A team that on the past two occasions has shredded Gor Mahia to ribbons. Most notably in 2007 when they beat an inexperienced schoolboy laden Kogalo team 5-0. So despite the fact that they were missing several of their players currently playing in the Africa nations cup, this was bound to be a serious test for Gor Mahia.
In the first half, Merreikh were clearly the better side. It came as no surprise therefore when Nigerian Kelechi Osunwa gave them the lead after 15 minutes. It would have been much worse had Jerim Onyango not been in fine form.
The second half saw Kogalo up their game. The introduction of Moses Odhiambo brought some pep to the Gor Mahia attack. He was sheer class as was Collins Okoth “Gattuso”. Camerounais Baldwin Ngwa seems to have picked up where he left off. He is still as hardworking as he was before except he seems to have added plenty of muscle. He will be a handful for defenders in the coming year. It was his clinical finish from a Moses Odhiambo cross that saved Kogalo from imminent defeat. His second goal in as many games.
Anticipating Kogalo fans however did not see some of the players they wanted to assess the most, notably Anthony Otieno who has recently been cleared by Mathare United and Felix Nwosu. Also missing was Hugo Nzoka who has yet to be released by SoNy. All in all it was a decent outing for Kogalo. However they still have plenty of work to do especially in the final third of the field.
This is the last friendly match Kogalo will play this off season. The next game is the Super Cup match against Tusker.
Late goal saves Gor Mahia against El Merreikh
Courtesy of futaa.com
Gor Mahia were held to 1-1 draw by Al-Merreikh of Sudan, in their Sunday 29 January exhibition match, played at the Nyayo Stadium.
first goal
The Sudanese went up, early in the game through a ninth minute Faisal Aghab strike. Gor retaliated with threatening attacks through Ivan Anguyo and Rama Salim, but their efforts amounted to squandered chances.
equalizer
Coming into the second half, Gor Mahia went all out, keen not to disappoint the large number of fans that had turned out to offer support.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 88th minute through Baldwin Ngwa, who played well with a Moses Odhiambo cross.
good show
Gor Keeper Jerim Onyango was arguably the man of the match, coming through to save shot after shot by the advancing Merreikh strikers.
Gor Mahia Starting XI
Jerim Onyango, Musa Mohammed,Ivans Anguyo,David Owino,Yusuf Juma,Collins Okoth,Moses Odhiambo Otieno,Rama Salim,Victor Ali,Baldin Ngwa ,Dan Makori
Next Page »