By Bonface Mulyungi

Gor Mahia increased their chances of winning the SportPesa Kenya Premier League after narrowly beating their rival AFC Leopards with a single goal, 1-0, in a crucial match played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

It was captain Alpha Onyango’s low wonder strike in the 81st minute that broke the deadlock after a goalless first half of the 99th Mashemeji Derby.

Onyona neatly assisted Onyango after a half-cleared corner by their opponents’ defence, sending Kogalo’s green army into a frenzy in the sell-out crowd.

The scoreline denies Ingwe a double over their perennial rivals, who had defeated Gor Mahia by the same margin in their first fixture. With their eyes on the coveted trophy, both teams missed glorious chances in the first 45 minutes as they pushed forward seeking an early opener.

The Ghanaian Charles Akonnor’s charges are now six points ahead of second-placed AFC after accumulating 61 points, while AFC has 55 points after both teams have played 29 games. Kogalo has now won 18 games, and Ingwe 16 league fixtures.

In the league table, the 2024/25 defending champions Kenya Police sit third with 48 points, Kakamega Homeboyz are fourth with 47 points, and Shabana fifth with 47 points.

The Kogalo players will celebrate their victory, having achieved their target of winning the game, and will now receive Sh1 million, as promised by their club patron Eliud Owalo.

To secure the win, the technical staff credited their team’s victory to strong mental resilience, aggressive pressing, and discipline. Gor will face Kakamega Homeboyz away in their next match.

In other league fixtures played today, APS Bomet defeated Sofapaka 1-0, while KCB and Kakamega Homeboyz drew 1-1.

The season commenced on 20 September 2025 and will conclude on 30 May 2026.