Gor Mahia in the 1982 Africa cup winners cup

Gor Mahia qualified for the 1982 Africa cup winners cup by virtue of having finished second in the 1981 Kenya National Football League. In the first round, they were pitted against Dinamo de Fima of Madagascar.

On paper it was a  very strong and highly experienced side. The key players had been together since the club reached the final of the Africa cup winners cup in 1979 and won the CECAFA club cup in 1980 and 1981. The side boasted vastly experienced players like Allan Thigo, Tim Ayieko, Andrew Obunga, George Ayuka, Dan Odhiambo, Paul Oduwo Cobra, Bobby Ogolla, Mike Ogolla “Machine” and George Otieno “Solo”. They were joined by the youth brigade, of Nahashon Oluoch, Sammy Owino, Enock Obwaka, Austin Oduor and Peter Otieno “Bassanga”. In Ugandan David Otti, Kogalo had a vastly experienced coach who had coached the three top Ugandan sides as well as the Uganda and Ethiopian national teams.

Background

Two months before the encounter with the Madagascans, doubts had started to seep into the minds of  observers. In February of 1982, Kenya hosted the CECAFA club cup. Gor Mahia played their matched in Kisumu. Their performance was below par. They played poorly in the opener against Bata Bullets of Malawi and were lucky to scrape a 1-1 draw. They then lost 0-1 to KCC of Uganda. They gave their best performance in the last group match, by beat Young Africans of Tanzania, who had already qualified for the semis 3-1. In the semi-final they lost on penalties to arch rivals AFC Leopards.

1982 Africa cup winners cup first round.