Gor Mahia beat Shabana to strengthen their title charge
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 21, 2026Gor Mahia secured a 2-1 victory over Shabana in a tense clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026. The win strengthens the league leaders’ position at the top of the table as they chase a record-extending 22nd title.
Jackson Dwang opened the scoring for Gor Mahia in the first half with a well-taken goal. Shabana responded immediately after the restart to equalise, taking the score to 1-1. Both teams went into the break level.
The second half began with Gor Mahia’s Alpha Onyango receiving a yellow card early on. Gor made a tactical substitution around the hour mark, bringing on Assifuah for Kapen in an attempt to regain control. Gor Mahia came close to regaining the lead when Sharrif failed to connect with a precise cross from Adu-Kwaw.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute. Alpha Onyango rose highest to power a superb header past the Shabana goalkeeper, restoring Gor Mahia’s lead at 2-1. Coach Charles Akonnor then made further changes, bringing on Stanley and Fidel Origa for Dwang and Alpha, while Patrick replaced Adu-Kwaw in stoppage time.
Despite Shabana’s determined effort in the final minutes, Gor Mahia held on for the win. The goals from Dwang and Alpha secured all three points for the league leaders.
The match carried significant importance for both teams. Gor Mahia entered the game on 53 points from 24 games, unbeaten since their December loss to AFC Leopards.
In that run, they had won ten matches and drawn four. Shabana, sitting third on 40 points, came into the fixture after suffering two straight defeats. Those losses led to the sacking of coach Peter Okidi earlier in the week, with Andrew Mark Ongwae stepping in as interim boss for this match.
Shabana struggle against Gor
Shabana had hoped to improve their record against Gor Mahia. Since their promotion back to the top flight in the 2023/24 season, they had failed to beat K’Ogalo now in six meetings, managing two draws and four losses.
Speaking ahead of the game, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor stressed the importance of focus.
“It is a very important match and we have to do our best to maintain the level of momentum that we have,” he said.
“We have seen them a couple of times and we need to play tactically. Unfortunately, the coach is not there anymore, so we are focused on what to do and get the three points.”
Shabana drew extra motivation from club patron Simba Arati, who promised the players 1 million shillings if they could pull off an upset against the biggest club in Kenya. The bonus remains unclaimed as Gor Mahia’s class proved too much for the visitors.
The victory takes Gor Mahia to 56 points and extends the gap at the top of the table. Shabana remain in fourth but missed a chance to close in on the leaders and give their new interim coach a dream start.