Bidco United handed Gor Mahia their third loss of the season, maintaining a 1-0 lead from the fifth minute until the final whistle on Sunday evening at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.
The victory marked Bidco United’s first-ever triumph over the reigning champions in their last nine encounters.
Gor Mahia’s hopes of climbing another spot into the top four were dashed in the fifth minute when Erick Michibu was fouled inside the Gor Mahia’s box , earning Bidco United a penalty that Michibu calmly converted.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 393 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
Following the defeat, K’Ogalo remains in fourth place with 17 points, six points behind league leaders KCB and three points adrift of third-placed Bandari FC. They are now level on points with fifth-place Kariobangi Sharks, separated only by goal difference.
In the match, Zedekiah Otieno made several changes to his starting lineup compared to the 3-2 victory over Talanta FC earlier in the week. Omondi Kevin replaced Gad Mathews, while Boniface Omondi started in place of Samuel Kapen.
It all began in the fourth minute when Alphonce Omija stumbled while attempting to defend a cross delivered by David Kalama from the center to the right wing. His misstep resulted in a foul, and the referee immediately awarded a penalty.
After the goal, K’Ogalo continued to apply pressure on Bidco’s defense, but despite several attempts, including from Austin Odhiambo, they were unable to find the back of the net.
In first-half added time, Gor Mahia had a promising opportunity to equalize from a corner in the 47th minute. However, Rooney Onyango’s shot was cleared, allowing Bidco to maintain their lead at the break.
ALSO READ: Shabana FC edge Talanta FC as Brian Michira nets 6th goal of the Season
The second half nothing changed as of the first, with Zico’s side relentlessly pushing for a goal, but luck was not on their side.
In the 65th minute, Zedekiah Otieno, unwilling to suffer his first defeat after three consecutive victories, made his first substitution. Samuel Kapen and Bryson Wangai replaced Boniface Omondi and Sharrif Musa, respectively.
The substitution almost paid off immediately. In the 66th minute, Bryson Wangai delivered a cross into the box, but no teammate was in range. The ball deflected off a Bidco player, landing at Enock Morrison’s feet, but his shot went wide.
Bryson’s impact was undeniable, as his second attempt, following a pass from Austin Odhiambo, nearly resulted in an equalizer. However, Marvin Nderitu was alert and made the save in the 80th minute.
Sylvester Owino also came close in the 84th minute, but his shot sailed over the bar. Three minutes later, Zico made his final substitution, bringing on Mark Shaban for Chris Ochieng.
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s improve to seventh place finish in Cape Town
Despite these changes, the match remained unchanged, and Austin Odhiambo’s final attempt in the 98th minute, which went over the bar, marked the end of Gor Mahia’s pursuit.
Bidco held on to secure the three points, while Gor Mahia will regroup as they prepare to host Shabana in a rescheduled match, also a ‘SportPesa derby’ on Wednesday, December 11th.
Elsewhere, Bandari FC shared spoils with league leaders KCB in a hotly contested match that was played
Bandari FC took the lead in the closing stages of the first half through Shariff Amubwombe’s powerful header that gave the Bankers goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo no chance.
After the goal, KCB searched for an equalizer with all their might until they were eventually rewarded in the 86th minute when super substitute Derrick Otanga fired a shot past the diving Bandari shot stopper Bryne Omondi.
The draw 1-1 brought KCB’s tally at the top of the table to 23 points while Bandari remained stuck at position three having amassed 20 points since the start of the season.
FKFPL match week 12 results
Saturday
Police FC 1-0 Mara Sugar
Kakamega Homeboyz 1-1 AFC Leopards
Sofapaka FC 4-1 Ulinzi Stars
Tusker FC 2-0 Mathare United
Nairobi City Stars 1-0 Murang’a Seal
Sunday
Posta Rangers 0-1 Kariobangi Sharks
Shabana FC 2-1 FC Talanta
Bandari FC 1-1 KCB FC
Gor Mahia 0-1 Bidco United
