Gor Mahia defender Mike Kibwage has praised his team’s performance after the club claimed its first league victory of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season. The champions defeated Sofapaka 2-0 at Dandora Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, bouncing back strongly from their opening-day defeat to Bidco United.

Speaking after the match, Kibwage said the win was as much for the fans as it was for the players.

“Kwanza kabisa, game haijakuwa easy. Opponents walikuwa wanaitaka na pia sisi tulikuwa tunaitaka. Despite game ya last kulose, leo tulikuwa more prepared na tulikuwa tunataka hii win zaidi. Ju pia ya mafans. Tunafeel wanadeserve better. Wanause a lot of time na resources. So payback time yao ni tu kuwin. So nafeel leo tulikuwa tunafaa kujiredeem na ndio maana tumejaribu kuskuma hivo zaidi,” he said.

Kibwage added that the team’s mentality and physicality made the difference.

“Leo mentality na physicality ya hiyo game imesaidia. Ukiangalia game last tulianza slow na tulikuwa more relaxed sana. Nafeel leo tumekuwa aggressive; tumekuwa the better side kuanzia ukiangalia the better part of the game.”

Adukwaw shines for Gor

Ghanaian import Ebenezer Adukwaw was the star of the show, scoring both goals for K’Ogalo. His first came in the opening half following a scramble in Sofapaka’s box, while his second was a long-range lob that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Both goals highlighted Adukwaw’s composure and sharp finishing.

The win gave head coach Charles Akonnor his first league victory of the season. Akonnor, who took charge after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, has made several new signings, including Adukwaw, to strengthen the squad. Despite doubts from fans about some of the new players, the team showed today that it can deliver under pressure.

For Gor Mahia, the victory was a statement of intent. The team had struggled in the season opener against Bidco United, losing 1-0 after conceding a late penalty. That result had raised questions about their preparedness, but today’s performance showed clear improvement. The players were more composed, aggressive, and focused on making the most of their opportunities.

Sofapaka, coached by Ezekiel Akwana, had started the season with a 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards and were hoping to build on that result. However, Gor Mahia controlled the match from early on, limiting the visitors’ chances and maintaining steady pressure. The team’s improved coordination in attack and defence ensured they kept a clean sheet.