Kenya’s reigning champions, Gor Mahia, kicked off their 2025 with positive results after beating Ugandan outfit Kitara FC via post-match penalties (9-8) in an international friendly at the inauguration of the new Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County on Tuesday January 2.
The match remained cagey throughout both halves, which ultimately led to the highly contested penalty shootout where all 22 players were forced to step to the spot.
Alpha Onyango, Levis Odhiambo, and Austin Odhiambo scored for Gor Mahia in the first five attempts, while Alphonce Omija and Rooney Onyango missed prompting the continuation of the shootout.
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On the Ugandan side, Solomon Okwalinga, Patrick Kaddu, and David Ndihabwe found the back of the net, while Marvin Nyanzi and Ronald Otti missed.
As the second round began, Musa Masika, Musa Sharrif, Paul Ochuoga, Christopher Ochieng, and Sylvester Owino all converted their penalties for Zedekiahs Otieno’s side.
While Wasswa Bbosa charges, Titus Sematimba, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Rogers Mugisha, Arthur Kiggundu, and Jasper Aheebwa scored, leveling the scores and forcing the goalkeepers to determine the outcome.
Gad Matheus scored for Gor Mahia, while Chrispas Kusiima hit the post, denying Uganda a chance to win.
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Gor Mahia was crowned the champions in front of President William Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as well as former Kenyan Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga. Other prominent politicians also graced the event, including Siaya County Governor James Orengo.
As a token of appreciation, President William Ruto and Raila Odinga awarded the two teams a total of 3 million Kenyan shillings. Ruto contributed 2 million, while Raila Odinga donated 1 million. Each team bagged home Khs 1.5 million.
“My friend, Governor Orengo of Siaya, has requested that we ensure the two teams do not leave here empty-handed. Therefore, Baba Raila Odinga has contributed one million, and I have awarded them two million, so these two teams can share the money for their outstanding performance,” President Ruto said during the ceremony.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000 seats, is expected to host multinational sports competitions aimed at boosting cross-border harmony and talent exchange.
“We are going beyond our boundaries to promote multinational sports competitions to deepen cross-border harmony, boost talent exchange, and enhance regional integration,” President Ruto stated.
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