Gor Mahia captain rallies fans ahead of Sofapaka clash
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 27, 2025Gor Mahia captain, Phillemon Otieno, has urged supporters to stay behind the team as they prepare to face Sofapaka in their second FKF Premier League match of the season.
Speaking on Friday, September 26, 2025, ahead of the Saturday fixture, the skipper apologised to fans after the opening-day defeat against Bidco United but promised a strong response.
“First of all, I want to apologise to our fans because they expected us to start on a high, but sometimes in football you get results that you did not plan for,” he said.
“Mine is just to urge them to continue supporting the team because the league is a marathon. What I can assure them is that we are on course, and we will make sure that we do our best and get results starting with our next match against Sofapaka.”
Tough start to new season
Gor Mahia’s 2025/26 campaign started on the wrong note after a 1-0 loss to Bidco United at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on September 21. The game was overshadowed by chaos outside the stadium as police clashed with fans at the gates. Tear gas was lobbed, and some supporters were forced to jump fences to gain entry.
On the pitch, Gor Mahia enjoyed possession but could not find a breakthrough. Bidco, disciplined and compact, frustrated the 21-time champions. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Gor conceded a penalty that was converted, sealing victory for the Thika-based side.
The loss came just weeks after K’Ogalo had fallen 2-0 to Tanzanian giants Simba SC in a high-profile friendly in Dar es Salaam. That defeat, though in a friendly, had already raised questions about their readiness for the new season.
Akonnor calls for composure
Head coach Charles Akonnor, who is in his first league campaign with the club, admitted his side had enough chances against Bidco but lacked composure.
“The general assessment of the game was positive. We controlled the game but failed to make good use of our chances. It is a big problem when you fail to score goals despite creating chances. What we need now is composure and a moment of magic to finish those opportunities,” Akonnor said.
The Ghanaian tactician, who took charge after a poor 2024/25 season, has demanded a quick response. He knows Sofapaka, led by coach Ezekiel Akwana, will not be an easy opponent. Batoto ba Mungu held AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture and will be keen to build on that performance.