Gor Mahia Officially Crowned Kenyan Premier League Champions

Gor Mahia were on Sunday crowned the 2018 SportPesa Premier League Champions for a record 17th time.

The Dylan Kerr’s men celebrated the handing over of the silverware in front of a packed crowd at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu after their 2-2 draw against Mathare United.

Gor had successfully defended the title with six rounds of matches left on August 25, before they were officially handed the trophy this afternoon after the draw that took their tally to 72 points.

Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge gave Gor the lead on 8^th minute after he collected a loose ball from George Odhiambo for the opener. Clifton Nyakeya had a chance to give the Slum Boys an equalizer but his header from close range was superbly saved by Francis Odhiambo.

George Odhiambo then saw his effort intercepted before he set up Humphrey Mieno who turned well inside the crowded box for the second goal in the 53^rd minute.

Moments later, substitute Daniel Mwaura forced a brilliant save from Gor Mahia custodian before Francis Mustapha came in replacing George Odhiambo in the 62nd minute.

Klisman Omulanga pulled one back for Mathare United after collecting Mwaura’s cross from the left before rounding the K’Ogalo goalkeeper.

Mathare were awarded a penalty on the 78th minute after Joash Onyango pushed Omulanga in the penalty box area and Nyakeya scored from the spot.

Despite Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr paying tribute to his players for clinching the title, he expressed his disappointment with the way his boys gave away the win.

“I am happy we are lifting the title but I am not happy that we have to do it this way. I wanted us to win today and make it a happy occasion but it’s entirely not. But I am happy for the players, they have worked hard for this and I am happy for the supporters. This is their trophy,” he said.

“We threw away the lead and we seemed in a comfort zone. We didn’t fight enough and we threw away balls very easily.”

The match was also attended by a host of leaders from the region who included former Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Gor Mahia captain Harun Shakava lifted the trophy to the delight of thousands of fans who had thronged the stadium.