The Gor Mahia FC team won the Kenyan Premier League for the 20th time.
The champions, also known as K'Ogalo, overcame a scare on the last day against Nairobi City Stars to win easily 4-1 in a thrilling match at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani to capture the illustrious championship.
As a result of their 4-0 hammering of the previously relegated Vihiga Bullets at the Mumias Sports Complex, Tusker, who battled Gor Mahia till the very last day of the season, is now vying for second place in the league standings.
The team's Police, Nzoia, KCB, Bandari, and AFC Leopards finished in order from fourth to ninth.
The National Super League (NSL) was downgraded to accommodate Mathare and Vihiga Bullets, and the outcome of a play-off match against an unidentified NSL opponent would decide Wazito's place in the premier league.
Did you read this?
Tusker hoped that Gor Mahia would slip up, ideally losing or even drawing, and then snatching the championship with a victory.
Energized by an early-morning rallying cry from ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, a charged Gor Mahia, managed by Northern Irishman Jonathan McKinstry, struggled at first before turning the tables to thrash City Stars with goals from Benson Omalla, Peter Lwasa, Austin Odhiambo, and Alpha Onyango.
"Gor Mahia is the 2023 FKF Premier League champion after defeating Nairobi City Stars 4-1 in Kasarani. I'm excited to host the team tomorrow," Owalo wrote in a post.
This outcome also guarantees that Gor Mahia will represent Kenya in the lucrative Caf Champions League in 2023–2024, only open to African clubs that have won their individual league championships.
Robert Matano's no-nonsense Tusker did their part in Mumias but fell short.
Five minutes into the game, the Brewers took the lead thanks to a goal from Deogratius Ojok. Later, goals from Shami Mwinyi and Stewart Omondi clinched the victory.
As the turning point in the battle for the league championship, Matano pointed to the defeats to Wazito and Posta Rangers earlier in the season.
But Tusker will get a second chance to win a trophy this season when they play Kakamega Homeboyz, who have made significant improvements, in the Mozzartbet Cup final. The victor of this match will represent the nation in the Confederations Cup of the Caf.
