• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 2 hrs ago

Controversy and confusion as leaders Gor Mahia miss chance to extend lead

Gor Mahia’s push to open a gap at the top of the Kenyan Premier League was derailed on Sunday evening after a tense and controversial goalless draw against Bandari at Kasarani.

But rather than the football, it was confusion, officiating decisions and off-field drama that defined the match. 

K’Ogalo went into the game knowing a win would stretch their lead following rivals AFC Leopards slipping earlier in the weekend. However, Gor Mahia failed to rise to the occasion in a match that never truly found rhythm.

The biggest talking point arrived late in the second half.

Referee Phanuel Omire initially pointed to the spot after Shariff Musa went down in the box, sparking celebrations among Gor players and fans. But in a dramatic twist, the decision was overturned after consultations, triggering furious protests from Bandari players.

Replays later suggested there was minimal contact on Musa, justifying the reversal, but the damage had already been done as tensions boiled over.

Bandari goalkeeper Allain Ngeleka was booked amid the chaos, with players from both sides struggling to keep emotions in check.

If that was not enough, more frustration followed at the final whistle. Despite five minutes of added time being indicated, the referee ended the match early, denying Gor Mahia a final push for a winner and leaving their supporters angered.

Earlier, the match had been overshadowed by reports of a break-in at Gor Mahia’s dressing room, where valuables were allegedly stolen — an incident that appeared to unsettle the home side.

On the pitch, Gor Mahia started brightly but lacked cutting edge. Jackson Dwang’ and Ebenezer Assifuah both missed clear chances, while Bandari threatened mainly through set pieces, with Darius Msagha causing occasional problems.

In the second half, both teams pushed but failed to find a breakthrough, with Bandari’s defensive discipline and Gor’s wastefulness keeping the scoreline unchanged.

The result leaves Gor Mahia with more questions than answers in their title chase. Instead of pulling clear, they dropped two crucial points in a match remembered less for football quality and more for controversy and missed opportunities.