Gor Mahia, the reigning Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions, secured the Madaraka Day Cup on June 1, 2022, after a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout victory over arch-rivals AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium.
The match, organized by the state, saw both teams settle for a 1-1 draw in regular time. The win marked Gor Mahia's continued dominance over AFC Leopards in both league and friendly matches for the past six years, with the last defeat for Gor Mahia coming in 2016.
Ingwe defender Collins Shivachi gave Leopards the lead in the 35th minute with a glancing header from a free kick. However, Austin Odhiambo restored parity for Gor Mahia in the 67th minute, forcing the game to be decided on penalties.
Philemon Otieno, Samuel Onyango, Benson Omala, Dennis Ng'ang'a, John Macharia, and Austin Odhiambo were successful for Gor Mahia in the penalties, while Tedian Esilaba, Washington Munene, Victor Omune, Josephat Lopaga, and John Makwatta netted for AFC Leopards. Leopards winger Peter Thiong'o missed his penalty, sealing the win for Gor Mahia.
Both teams showed determination in the early stages, but most of their attempts were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper. Gor Mahia's Benson Omala had a close-range header saved in the eighth minute, while Nigerian import Fansami Ojo Olaniyi squandered a chance to put AFC Leopards ahead in the 27th minute.
German tactician Andrea Spier made a double substitution for AFC Leopards, while Belgian coach Patrick Aussems withdrew Olaniyi for Mark Makwatta in the 58th minute. The match ended with both teams pushing for late goals, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
