Record Premier League champions, Gor Mahia, suffered a 0-1 defeat to Bidco United in their debut in the 2025/26 FKF Sportpesa League at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi on Sunday.
Bidco United Newton Ochieng’s 88th minute strike from the penalty spot, was enough for the team to take all three points after a clumsy foul inside the box.
Despite a late push from Gor Mahia, Bidco held firm on the pitch as K’Ogalo men struggled to settle into their rhythm, despite enjoying ball possession.
The first half of the game ended goalless, as the well-organized Bidco United team despite having lesser possession restricted Gor Mahia’s advances and opportunities in scoring a goal.
Bidco United Head Coach, Anthony Akhulia, after the match said the win showed that his team was prepared and he was impressed with the boys’ performance who capitalized on the opponent’s speed in terms of coming forward, which paid-off when they almost scored in the first half.
“We made sure that our goal keeper played the highline, so that if they play any long ball the goal keeper would take the ball,” he said, adding that they avoided the competitor stringing passes together, which they were superior in that sector.
Coach Akhulia said that he was happy with the new signings and players majority of who are young players, who he believes will give the team mileage in maintaining their status in the league.
“Anytime you play a big team the players are motivated” he said, noting that they did an overhaul of the team and this is a new team with young players of average age of 24 years.
He observed that last season we really struggled, we survived relegation. This season we need to up our game and strive to finish in the top ten position in the league to avoid relegation.
Gor Mahia Coach, Charles Akonnor, said that the outcome of the game was unfortunate despite them being able to play 70 percent of the game and were able to continue to create chances, but were unable to score.
“We were a bit careless in defending. And the opportunities we created we needed to have scored,” he said, adding that moving forward they need to work on how to create chances that lead into goals.
He noted that in terms of control of the game, the boys played well and they were ahead of the opponent who defended well and made it difficult for them to score.
“We need to go back and work hard, so that in our coming matches we perform better than we did today,” he said.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted at the gate when police clashed with a section of Gor Mahia’s fans before kickoff, lobbing teargas as tension flared outside the stadium.
After a few minutes of the unrest, however, the situation calmed down and supporters were eventually allowed into the stadium under police watch.
By Anita Omwenga
