This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
On Mashujaa Day, Gor Mahia, the 18-time Kenyan Premier League champions, celebrated with a thrilling 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday, October 20, 2019.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout the game. However, it was not until stoppage time that Ghanaian Francis Afriyie, who came in for off-colour Ivorian Gnamien Yikpe, found the breakthrough.
Afriyie's goal was the result of a well-placed volley from Kennedy Otieno, which came off the upright and fell kindly for an unmarked Afriyie to round Sharks goalkeeper John Oyemba before slotting into an empty net.
"I am very excited for scoring a goal in this match given that our performance was not at its best," said Afriyie.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack praised his team's resilience, saying, "I am happy my boys were sharper and aggressive in the last quarter. In football, the final whistle determines the winner and today we were made to wait until the last minute."
However, Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya disputed the goal, claiming Afriyie scored from an offside position. Muluya also expressed disappointment with the officiating, saying, "We should have at least shared the spoils if not winning the match but we lost through poor officiating."
