- Gor Mahia defeated Posta Rangers 3–0, paying a heartfelt tribute to their late former patron, Honourable Raila Odinga.
- The SportPesa League clash took place on Sunday, October 26, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- The victory was sealed with second-half goals from Ben Stanley Omondi, Austine Odhiambo and Felix Oluoch Mboya, who added a late third.
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia paid a special tribute to their late former patron, the Honorable Raila Odinga, in the most fitting style by winning their first match without him, defeating Posta Rangers 3-0 on Sunday evening.
The former Prime Minister of Kenya passed away 11 days ago while receiving treatment in India at the age of 80.
Emotional homages were held before, during, and after Sunday’s home victory at the Nyayo National Stadium – a result sealed with second-half goals from Ben Stanley Omondi, Austin Odhiambo, who scored his first of the season and and Felix Oluoch Mboya, who netted a late third.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia head coach Akonnor regrets not meeting ‘great man’ Raila Odinga
The tribute began before kickoff, as players entered the stadium holding a portrait of Raila Odinga inscribed with the bold green number “80,” marking his age at the time of his passing, alongside the title “Patron” in honor of his long service to the club.
The squad wore white shirts bearing an image of Raila Odinga with the words “Forever in our hearts. RIP Patron.”
Club chairman Ambrose Rachier accompanied the team, carrying the trophy the club had won in Mombasa during the 20th anniversary celebrations of Raila’s political party, ODM.
A symbolic gesture followed inside the stadium, as the seat Raila Odinga often occupied was draped with a black shirt printed with ‘80’ and ‘Patron’, alongside his iconic cap – a moving representation of his royal legacy and long-standing influence on the club.
Before the match began, fans held up banners and placards bearing Raila’s image, and a minute of silence was observed in his memory.
Gor Mahia burst into action immediately, creating the game’s first attempt within a minute.
They besieged the Posta Rangers’ penalty area, producing two quick efforts: one from Patrice Esombe following a volleyed cross from Sherrif Musa on the left flank, which Esombe missed, and a long-range effort from Fidel Origa that sailed just wide.
Gor fashioned another clear opportunity in the 17th minute when Esombe found himself one-on-one with the Posta goalkeeper, Odhiambo, but his direct shot was saved by the custodian in what was a tightly contested first half.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia mourn loss of longtime club patron Raila Odinga
The visitors had chances of their own but failed to convert, while Gor continued to probe the opposition’s defense.
Despite dominating possession and creating several promising situations, they struggled with their final touch, and the opening period remained a cagey affair.
Coach Charles Akonnor injected fresh energy into the midfield for the second half, introducing Alpha Onyango for Samuel Kapen.
The first clear chance after the break arrived in the 53rd minute when Musa broke through the Posta defense on the right wing and sent a low cross into the box. The ball found Origa, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Gor Mahia made a double substitution in the 57th minute, bringing on Ben Stanley Omondi for Fidel Origa and Felix Oluoch for Patrice Esombe.
The changes paid immediate dividends. From the right corner, Musa delivered a crisp volleyed cross into the area that evaded everyone and found Ben Stanley at the far post, who made no mistake with a header to give K’Ogalo the lead.
The 21-time champions extended their advantage in the 71st minute.
The captain for the day, Austine Odhiambo, found the net with a simple finish for his first goal of the season, sending the fans into a frenzy as they chanted “Jowi Jowi” in remembrance of Raila Odinga.
The goal originated from a mistake by the Posta Rangers goalkeeper Odhiambo.
Just when it seemed Gor had finished their scoring, Posta’s defense faltered again as they had pushed forward for a consolation goal.
Felix Oluoch, coming off the bench, seized the opportunity to score his second of the season.
This final goal ignited more celebratory chants from the home supporters, ending Posta Rangers’ unbeaten run and moving Gor to within a single point of the league leaders, who have 10 points.
Gor Mahia vs Posta Rangers SportPesa League Line-ups
- Gor Mahia: Bryne Omondi, Paul Ochouga, Bryton Onyona, Mike Kibwage, Silvester Owino, Fidel Origa, Enock Morrison, Samuel Kapen, Sherif Musa, Austin Odhiambo, Patrice Esombe.
- Posta Rangers: Fredrick Odhiambo, Leon Kimungui, Dimpol Omamo, Faustin Ojiambo, Musa Mohammed, Kevin Juma, Caleb Olilo, Jackson Dwang, Eliud Lokuwam, Trevor Omondi, Brian Marita.