Gor Mahia are the Football Kenya Federation Charity Shield Cup winners after beating Kakamega Homeboyz at Kasarani on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
K’Ogalo emerged winners of the Premier League curtain-raising duel following a 4-2 post-match penalty shootout win after the game ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time.
Wasted chances
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia came close to scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute through new signing Lawrence Juma, however, Farouk Sikhalo managed to stop the low shot from the midfielder.
Rony Onyango could have opened the scoreline in favour of the Premier League champions three minutes past the half-hour mark, but the right-back could not find the back of the net while in a promising goalscoring position. This chance came after a nice buildup that involved John Macharia, but the giants were left ruing the wasted chance in the end.
Although they looked rather timid in the opening 30 minutes, Homeboyz, the FKF Cup winners, almost stunned Gor Mahia three minutes before the halftime break. A team buildup that involved Moses Shummah and Hillary Otieno produced a chance, but the former could not find the back of the net as his effort went out.
Lyson Muyonga, who came on in the second half for Benson Omala, made an attempt to score in the 55th minute, but he could not score even after being put through on goal in an impressive manner.
Goals
Finally, Gor Mahia managed to score after winning a corner in the Shield Cup duel. Alpha Onyango, who had come on for Ernest Wendo when the second half started, rose high to connect with the corner ball and put it in the path of Boniface Omondi, who fired past Sikhalo for the opener a minute past the hour mark.
Kakamega Homeboyz equalized in the 70th minute when Eric Ambunya fired past Caleb Otieno, who failed to claim the ball in his first attempt before the scorer found the back of the net from the rebound. Gor Mahia will blame themselves for failing to clear a free kick that gave Homeboyz a perfect opportunity to restore parity.
Meanwhile, Both sides have their focus fixed on the upcoming Premier League season, where Gor Mahia will hope to defend the title, while Homeboyz will have extra duties in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Gor Mahia XI: Caleb Otieno, Rony Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi, Lawrence Juma, Benson Omala, Austin Odhiambo, and John Macharia.
Kakamega Homeboyz XI: Farouk Shikalo, Moses Mudavadi, Brian Wekesa, Eric Ambunya, Brian Eshihanda, Robinson Kamura, Esiye Estone, Ambrose Sifuna, Moses Shummah, Hillary Otieno, and Kevin Amwayi.
