Summary
– Gor Mahia close to defending title with 1-0 win.
– Need two more wins for 21st Premier League trophy.
– Dominant performance extends lead by 12 points.
– Shabana struggles against a determined Gor Mahia side.
Gor Mahia are now close to defending their Football Kenya Federation Premier League title after a 1-0 win over Shabana FC at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Gor Mahia are now in need of just two wins to retain the title and grab their 21st Premier League trophy, a record-extending achievement in top-flight history.
With huge support coming from the stands, Gor Mahia were dominant in the duel and finally grabbed three points that extended their lead at the top to 12 points. The gap could be reduced to nine points should Kenya Police beat Nairobi City Stars in their game.
Meanwhile, during the first 10 minutes, Shabana struggled to contain the much-determined K’Ogalo side and had an opportunity to score the first goal in the 22nd minute. They won a penalty, but Omala, one of their lethal players this season, failed to convert the spot kick.
Despite failing to take the lead, Gor Mahia kept fighting with their forward line, pressing Tore Bobe deep in the early stages of the first half.
The Premier League champions were almost beaten when Christopher Raila collected a pinpoint pass, but the Shabana star did not have enough space to pull the trigger as goalkeeper Caleb Otieno swept the ball and cleared it into the midfield.
Four minutes after the half-hour mark, Omala found the back of the net when Shabana’s defense line was caught unorganized
Second Netting
The second goal for the giants almost came in the opening minutes of the second half, but Lawrence Juma’s long-range shot flew slightly wide.
Mathew Tegisi, Shabana’s shining star of the season that they have struggled, came close to restoring parity, but Otieno was on top of his game as he denied the forward the chance to score with a fine save.
Austin Odhiambo also came close to scoring, but he was denied a chance to double Gor Mahia’s lead but Francis Odhiambo’s timely intervention saved the day for Shabana.
In the 70th minute, Brian Michira had his chance, but K’Ogalo’s goalkeeper, Otieno, stood tall to deny the National Super League champions a chance to score the equaliser.
Starting XIs
Gor Mahia: Caleb Otieno, Sylvester Owino, Geoffrey Ochieng, Kennedy Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Lawrence Juma, Musa Masika, Austin Odhiambo, Sharif Musa, Benson Omala, Wangai Bryson
Shabana: Fredrick Odhiambo, Prince Ayeko, Dimple Omamo, George Onyango, Mark Okola, Justine Omwando, Raila Christopher, Lameck Onuonga, Samuel Maiko, Mathew Tegesi, Ezekiel Omuri
About the Kenya Premier League
There are 18 clubs in the Kenyan Premier League. During the course of a season, traditionally from February to November but switched to August to May in 2018, each club plays the others twice (a double round-robin system): once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 34 games.
Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference, and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion.
If points are equal, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner. If still equal, the ordering is determined by their head-to-head records. If there is a tie for the championship, for relegation, or for qualification to other competitions, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides rank. The two lowest placed teams are relegated to the National Super League, with its top two teams promoted in their place. The 16th placed team squares off with the third-best team from the National Super League for the third promotion slot.
In 2018 the league switched from a Feb/Nov calendar to an August to May competition to bring it in line with other countries
The 2018/2019 season bridges the gap running from December 2018 to July 2019 after which the seasons will align with those of European nations.
Kenyan Premier League Top Scorers
| Top Scorers | Goals | Position |
| Benson Omala | 9 | Striker |
| Francis Kahiro | 6 | Striker |
| Erick Kapaito | 6 | Striker |
| Boniface Muchiri | 6 | Right winger |
| Moses Shumah | 6 | Striker |
| Titus Kapchanga | 5 | Striker |
| Samuel Kapen | 5 | Striker |
| Geoffrey Onyango | 5 | Striker |
| Brian Yakhama | 5 | Striker |
