Gor Mahia extended their dominance over Shabana FC in the FKF Premier League with a narrow 1-0 win at the Gusii Stadium in the highly anticipated ‘Nyanza derby’.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news Since Shabana’s promotion to the top tier, they have yet to secure a win against the record champions, managing only a single draw in the first leg of this season.The other three meetings have all ended in 1-0 defeats for the Glamour Boys.U20 AFCON Diary: Cheap fuel in plenty as sanity reigns in Egyptian roadsGor Mahia’s Croatian tactician, Sinisa Mihic, was confident in the build-up to the clash. “I know how they play… even they don’t know how they play,” he quipped in a pre-match interview.His side went on to back his words on the pitch, thanks to a late goal from substitute Sylvester Owino that sealed a vital three points for K’Ogalo.Pre-Match Tensions and Crowd Trouble##NAJAVA_MECA_8900956##The build-up to the derby was tense and chaotic, spanning nearly two weeks. Concerns were raised by a section of Gor Mahia supporters and club officials over the Gusii Stadium’s capacity to host such a high-stakes match, particularly regarding fan safety.Unfortunately, their fears were realised even before kickoff. Over 70 fans sustained injuries due to crowd trouble at the stadium gates, prompting emergency medical response and a delayed kickoff by more than 30 minutes.The tension did not subside with the start of the match. After Owino’s decisive goal in the 81st minute, play was halted for over 10 minutes due to disturbances from sections of the crowd. A second stoppage occurred during injury time as projectiles were hurled onto the pitch in protest.Gor Mahia confirm venue and date for 97th Mashemeji Derby clashDespite the disruptions, Gor Mahia remained composed and saw out the game professionally. The win, fashioned by clever in-game management and tactical discipline, underscored Mihic’s growing influence at the helm.Tactical Setup and Match DynamicsMihic opted for his favoured 3-5-2 formation with slight personnel adjustments. Gad Mathews started between the posts, shielded by a defensive trio of Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, and Geoffrey Ochieng. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8900935##Wingbacks Samuel Onyango and Levin Odhiambo provided width, while the midfield was manned by Ernest Wendo, Lawrence Juma, and Alpha Onyango. Up front, Christopher Ochieng partnered with Austin Odhiambo.Ahead of the match, Mihic had identified Shabana’s aggressive and often unpredictable approach, describing them as a “forceful side that shoots from anywhere.” In response, he tailored his team to neutralise that chaos and instil calmness in Gor Mahia’s play. The midfield trio allowed Gor Mahia to dictate the rhythm and slow down the tempo, disrupting Shabana’s preferred high-octane style that thrives on crowd energy and transitional play.Gor Mahia put FKF on the spot over violent scenes at Gusii StadiumMihic’s side frequently slowed the tempo, which served two purposes: first, it nullified the passionate home support that feeds off Shabana’s intensity; and second, it allowed Gor Mahia to dominate possession and force the hosts to adjust to their pace.The numerical parity in midfield—matching Shabana’s 4-2-3-1 with a structured 3-5-2—was further tilted by Austin Odhiambo’s intelligent movement. He dropped into midfield regularly to create 4v3 overloads in central areas, enhancing Gor Mahia’s ability to retain the ball and advance methodically.This numerical superiority allowed Gor Mahia to be patient in possession, probing for opportunities rather than forcing the play. When openings arose, particularly in wide areas, wingbacks were encouraged to exploit 1v1 situations.##NAJAVA_MECA_8900966##Samuel Onyango had one such moment when he beat James Mazembe down the right flank, though his cross failed to yield a goal.Key Defensive StrategyDefensively, Mihic’s strategy was clear: stifle Shabana’s key attacking threats—Darius Msagha and Brian Michira. Msagha, known for his powerful long-range shots and dead-ball prowess, was closely marked and denied shooting space.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Kenya U20’s smart approach was undone by TunisiaMichira, a dangerous ball carrier, was similarly harried and crowded out. Gor Mahia’s disciplined approach saw them concede few fouls in dangerous areas, effectively neutralising Shabana’s set-piece advantage.Second-Half Adjustments and Decisive MomentAfter withering Shabana’s pressure in the first half, Mihic made tactical changes early in the second. Christopher Ochieng and Levin Odhiambo were replaced by Shariff Musa and Bryson Wangai. Odhiambo dropped into a false nine role, while Musa operated in the right half-space.##NAJAVA_MECA_8901605##The reconfiguration initially invited pressure as Shabana enjoyed more of the ball, with no clear outlet upfront for Gor Mahia. Recognising this imbalance, Mihic made further changes, introducing Benson Omalla as a focal point in attack and Ben Stanley Omondi to provide creativity. Wendo and Odhiambo made way for the duo, restoring offensive purpose.Despite the physical nature of the contest and lack of clear-cut chances, Gor Mahia eventually found their moment of brilliance.In the 81st minute, Wangai’s precise delivery from a corner found Owino at the back post. The substitute made no mistake, heading in the decisive goal that silenced the home crowd and ignited wild celebrations among the visiting fans.STARS ABROAD: Kenyan forward leads Welsh side to historic trebleFollowing another prolonged stoppage due to crowd unrest, Gor Mahia expertly managed the game, retaining possession and running down the clock to secure all three points.The win lifts Gor Mahia to second place on the FKF Premier League table with 53 points, just two behind leaders Kenya Police FC, who edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-0. K’Ogalo leapfrogged Tusker FC, who were held to a goalless draw by AFC Leopards on Saturday.The result not only keeps Gor Mahia firmly in the title race but also extends their unbeaten streak against Shabana since the latter’s return to the top flight. In four meetings, Gor Mahia have claimed victory in three, all by 1-0 scorelines, with the only blemish being a solitary draw in the first leg of this season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8901266##Sinisa Mihic’s tactical acumen was once again on display, demonstrating his growing mastery in navigating tough fixtures. His ability to adapt, manage in-game dynamics, and utilise his bench effectively proved the difference in a tense, emotionally charged derby.
