Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews is set to be airlifted to Nairobi after being hospitalised in Mombasa following a sudden illness that forced him to miss the ODM@20 final against Bandari at the Mbaraki Stadium on Saturday.
Mathews, who featured in Gor Mahia’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over Shabana FC in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, was ruled out of the final just hours before kick-off.
In that match, Samuel Kapen had opened the scoring for Gor Mahia before Humphrey Obino equalized for Shabana through a sumptuous freekick to send the game to penalties.
Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews to be airlifted to Nairobi
According to the club’s medical team, the crisis began early Saturday morning when the former Kisumu Day custodian developed sharp abdominal pain.
Gor Mahia’s Team Doctor, Brian Odongo, confirmed that the situation quickly escalated, prompting his admission to a Mombasa hospital for further medical evaluation.
“Gad Mathews experienced abdominal pain that gradually worsened over time. Due to the increasing severity of the pain, he was taken to the hospital where he has been admitted for further investigations and treatment,” stated Dr. Odongo.
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With Gad Mathews sidelined, Kevin Omondi started in goal and the record Kenya Premier League champions went on to edge Bandari FC 1-0 in the ODM@20 final, thanks to a stunning free-kick goal from new Ghanaian signing Ebenezer Adukwaw who was fouled by Bandari defender Abdalla Juma.
Adukwaw, however, was stretchered off seconds later after sustaining a shoulder injury, but his goal was enough to seal the win for the 21-time champions.
The victory saw Gor Mahia pocket KSh 1,000,000, while runners-up Bandari earned KSh 750,000.
Third-placed Shabana, who defeated AFC Leopards 1-0 in the playoff, walked away with KSh 500,000, as Leopards settled for KSh 250,000.
The Gor Mahia squad is expected to return to Nairobi today aboard the scheduled 3:00 PM train, though Mathews will remain in Mombasa until he is declared fit to travel.
The club has confirmed that the goalkeeper will be airlifted later in the evening for further medical care in the capital.
Team captain Philemon Otieno and assistant team doctor Joash Odhiambo have stayed behind in Mombasa to supervise the discharge process and ensure Mathews’s safe transfer to the airport.