The air was electric with anticipation as two of Kenya’s beloved football clubs, Gor Mahia FC and Muranga Seals FC, clashed in the much-awaited SportPesa Derby
held on Saturday, May 4. 2024.
Fans who turned up for the thrilling encounter at the SportPesa Arena in Muranga County were not disappointed, as both teams, in exceptional form this season, gave a good account of themselves in the fast-paced and high-stakes game that kicked off at 3.00 pm.
Gor Mahia took the lead early on with a goal by Austin Odhiambo. This was soon followed by Benson
Omalla’s spectacular header halfway through the first half missed the bar by a whisker, sending Gor fans wild in the stands.
Not to be outdone Muranga Seals soon sent a rejoinder across Gor Mahia’s net when defender Brian Marvin, laid up a long ball at Gor Mahia’s doorstep. A spill by a Gor Mahia defender gave John Kiplangat a perfect right shot that found the net, leaving the stablemates with one goal each at
halftime.
In a well-coordinated chase for goals, the Muranga Seals came back blazing in the second half. Pushing an aggressive agenda against the Gor Mahia front, John Kiplangat at one point left with Gor Mahia, and the keeper was unlucky, sending the ball over the bar.
With several missed chances Muranga Seals’ dominance was short-lived when they conceded a second goal to Benson Omalla from a penalty after Dennis Munyovi brought down Austin Odhiambo, in what Muranga Seals fans felt was not a deserved call.
Ultimately, it was Gor Mahia’s game when Benson Omalla found the net yet again, to give Gor Mahia a 3-1 with minutes to the final whistle.
“We started the game very well and were in control for the first 20 minutes. The first goal was fully deserved, but after that, Murang and Seal came back quite threateningly and eventually equalized. Even so, we dominated 70 percent of the game and are pleased with the win and what it means for the
table,” said Gor Mahia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry.
Gor Mahia FC, with a legacy that spans decades, is known for its passionate play and dedicated fanbase.
Muranga Seals FC, although a newer addition to the Kenya top-tier league, has proven to be a formidable opponent, quickly earning respect in the football community.
“We were ready and prepared to give a performance that our fans could be proud of. We respect Gor
Mahia FC and we are not afraid to face them. Except for the penalty that rattled the boys
slightly, I am happy with how we handled today. We trained hard, and my players were
hungry for victory, said Juma Abdallah, Murang’s head coach.
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