Gor Mahia in the 1981 Africa cup winners cup

Gor Mahia qualified to represent Kenya in the 1981 Africa cup winners cup by virtue of finishing second in the 1980 Kenya National Football League.

In the opening round, Kogalo were pitted against Coastal Union of Tanga, Tanzania. However the Tanzanian side withdrew citing financial difficulties.

In the second round, Gor Mahia met Public Works (Lavori Publici) of Somalia. The first leg was played at Nairobi City Stadium. Gor Mahia triumphed 3-0 with goals from Allan Thigo, Sammy Owino and Nahashon Oluoch.

Line-Ups

Gor Mahia: Dan Odhiambo, Paul Oduwo, Peter Otieno, Bob Ogolla, Mike Ogolla, Andrew Obunga, Gideon Hamisi (Sammy Onyango), Allan Thigo, Abbey Nassur, Sammy Owino, Austin Oduor. Nahashon Oluoch

Public Works: Hassan Sheikh, Ibrahim Mohamed, Hamza, Jama Abdisha, Noor Mohamed, Mohamed Jaji, Abdulkadir Hussien, Awal Ismail, Yusuf Mohamed, Abdulahi Abdi, Mohamed Ali

In the return leg, Gor Mahia lost 1-0 but went through on 3-1 goal aggregate.

In the quarter-finals, Gor Mahia faced off against Djoliba of Mali. The opening leg was played in Mali. Kogalo lost 2-0. In the return leg, Gor Mahia won 1-0 thanks to a penalty by Abbey Nassur who converted after Nahashon Oluoch was fouled while making one of his incisive runs. Gor Mahia were thus eliminated 2-1 on aggregate.