Gor Mahia’s shaky start to the FKF Premier League season continued on Wednesday as they fell 2-0 to Bandari FC at the challenging Ukunda Showground in Kwale County. The reigning champions struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organized Bandari side, leaving coach Leonardo Neiva’s squad searching for answers.
Bandari set the tone early, pushing forward and forcing Gor Mahia goalkeeper Caleb Otieno into action just two minutes in. Otieno managed to deflect midfielder Geoffrey Ojunga’s powerful 30-yard free kick for a corner, denying the Dockers an early advantage.
In the 20th minute, Bandari came close again when striker Alfred Emoni attempted a bicycle kick, only for Otieno to make another crucial save. Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s own attempts were repeatedly thwarted by Bandari’s defense, leaving striker Chris Ochieng and playmaker Austin Odhiambo without a shot on target in the opening 30 minutes. Gor’s only real chance of the half came just before halftime, as Odhiambo’s free kick narrowly missed the mark, sailing over the crossbar.
The second half saw Bandari maintain their pressure, but Gor Mahia found a brief opportunity in the 55th minute. Odhiambo set up striker Morrison Enock, but his shot went wide, squandering a key chance to take the lead.
Things took a turn for the worse for Gor Mahia in the 67th minute when captain Geoffrey Ochieng received a red card for a harsh tackle on Bandari talisman Izzadin Ramadhan just outside the box. This foul set up Ojunga to showcase his skills once again, as he expertly curled the free kick from 25 yards into the top corner, putting Bandari ahead.
Bandari doubled their lead in the 75th minute when Benja Nyamawi latched onto a powerful pass from Ramadhan, coolly slotting past Otieno to seal the win. The match was then interrupted by chaotic scenes, with tensions between fans leading to a half-hour pause and resulting in injuries to five spectators.
After the situation was contained, the remaining six minutes were played without incident, confirming Bandari’s hard-fought victory. Dockers’ goalkeeper James Omusinde, stepping in for the unwell Bryne Omondi, made a solid debut, handling Gor Mahia’s rare attempts with composure.
Following the match, Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo commended his players for their resilience and execution. “I am happy my players showed character and played according to our plan. We knew Gor would attack more, but we dominated the second half,” Odhiambo remarked.
Elsewhere in the FKF Premier League, Sofapaka and Kenya Police FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Dandora Stadium, Nairobi. Joseph Kuloba opened the scoring for Sofapaka in the 9th minute, while Police’s David Okoth netted the equalizer at the start of the second half.
The loss leaves Gor Mahia under mounting pressure, with their fans visibly frustrated by the team’s early-season form. As they regroup for their next fixture, the champions will need to address both their offensive shortcomings and their discipline if they hope to turn their season around.