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Is the ghost of 2025 haunting Gor Mahia’s title push?
25th April, 2026 02:16 PM
Gor Mahia’s season seems to be unravelling just as the league enters its final stretch.
Charles Akonnor’s side may have only suffered two losses this season, but their title prospects seem to be on the line now more than ever with a much-anticipated Mashemeji Clash looming large on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
From the highs of a ten-game unbeaten run and the optimism of reclaiming the league title, K’Ogalo faces a daunting final run. They are hoping to redress what, on the surface, is a dent in confidence but could significantly become a catastrophic end that seals a repeat of the dreaded trophyless campaign.
In 2025, a late capitulation characterised by a late relinquishment of the league title to Kenya Police FC culminated in a crushing end to the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Nairobi United in the FKF Cup finals.
In a development akin to the eerie feeling of an avoidable déjà vu, K’Ogalo risks seeing its title charge shock the system, much like the late implosion of 2025. The cracks have been showing in recent games and on testing pitches that the club had passed with considerable ease in past seasons.
This condemnation can be passed to both the technical bench and the playing unit; this crop of Gor Mahia’s squad has significantly failed to show pedigree, giving credence to the notion of why experience matters. In the intricacies of the modern game, Gor’s weak link has been plain to see.
Renowned choir coordinator, Leonard Ong’owo, alias Taya Dok, recalled how players collapsed during certain critical games or phases of play where a last-gasp effort or simple grit could have pushed the team over the line.
He acknowledged how AFC Leopards. who have since become K’Ogalo’s sole challenger, has been playing better and more attractive football.
Similar sentiments have been expressed by sections of fans concerned about the squad’s capacity to deliver silverware.
In this campaign, Gor’s turning point seems to be happening at the worst possible time. A loss to Tusker FC and draws against Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks have left many casting doubt on their title credentials. Early-season heroes, such as Ebenezer Adukwaw, have since fallen off the radar, with injuries also playing a part.
While Shariff Musa has maintained his spark alongside new signing Jackson Dwang—brought in from South Sudan to replace Austin Odhiambo—the overall drop in intensity has affected the entire team.
Such a sudden change can only be pinned down to mental fortitude. Indeed Gor’s problem appears to be more psychological than tactical. The record 21-time champions must, nonetheless, salvage the run starting with the Mashemeji clash or risk seeing the season slip away.
“We have to win the game in our minds. We have to play it before it even starts, and we need to be mentally strong, and we have prepared the team to be able to deal with such situations,” coach Charles Akonnor said while underscoring the need for a proper mental attitude.
