Adukwaw’s million-shilling free kick sinks Bandari as Gor Mahia clinch ODM@20 title
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 10.10.25. | 18:14
Bandari walked away with Kshs 700,000 as first runners-up while Shabana pocketed Kshs 500,000 for finishing third
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia clinched the inaugural ODM@20 Tournament title after edging out Bandari FC 1-0 in a tightly contested final staged at the Mbaraki Stadium on Friday, 10 October afternoon.
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Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Adukwaw produced a moment of sheer brilliance, netting a sumptuous 25-yard volley from a set piece to hand K’Ogalo victory.
The win not only handed Gor Mahia the bragging rights, as the first-ever winners of the competition, but also came with a one million cash prize, marking coach Charles Akonnor’s first silverware since taking charge of the club.
With both sides eyeing the title and lucrative prize money, the encounter began at a high tempo, each team seeking an early advantage.
Gor Mahia threatened first in seventh minute when Mark Shaban narrowly missed the target after being picked out by Lawrence Juma’s delivery.
Bandari replied moments later through Darius Msagah whose header from a William Wadri cross sailed inches over the bar.
Bandari continued pressing as Wadri and Msagah combined once more, but their final effort was comfortably handled by Kevin Omondi in Gor’s goal.
Gor Mahia’s best chance of the opening half came through Chris Ochieng, whose powerful strike rattled the crossbar midway through the first period.
Bandari’s Geoffrey Ojunga and Emoni Alfred also went close, but neither could find the breakthrough as the sides settled for a goalless first half.
The second period mirrored the intensity of the first, with both teams exchanging attacks.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes past the hour mark when Adukwaw curled home a stunning free kick that left Levis Opiyo rooted to the spot, sparking wild celebrations from the Gor Mahia faithful.
Despite Bandari’s late efforts through David Sakwa and Ojunga, Gor Mahia held firm to the final whistle, sealing a memorable triumph and etching their name in history as the first-ever ODM@20 champions.
Bandari walked away with Kshs 700,000 as first runners-up, Shabana pocketed Kshs 500,000 for finishing third, while AFC Leopards, who placed fourth, also earned Kshs 250,000 for their efforts.
