Gor Mahia cash in on ticket sales despite controversy and chaos marring Bandari clash
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 20.04.26. | 17:51
Attention now shifts to the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on Sunday, 26 April, a match that could significantly shape the title race
Gor Mahia may have left Kasarani Stadium frustrated by a controversial goalless draw against Bandari FC, but off the pitch, the club still walked away with a healthy return from ticketing revenue.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
The record champions confirmed a strong turnout for the clash, collecting Ksh958,600 from 3,031 tickets sold, with treasurer Gerphas Okuku revealing the figures after the match.
It was one of the few positives from an afternoon that quickly descended into chaos, as Gor Mahia’s march toward the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League title was overshadowed by refereeing controversy and a shocking security breach.
While the draw kept K’Ogalo three points clear at the top of the table, the bigger talking points came from the officiating decisions and events behind the scenes at Kasarani Stadium.
The main flashpoint came when Shariff Musa was brought down inside the box.
The referee, who was well-positioned barely two metres away, initially pointed to the penalty spot before overturning the decision moments later, a call that left the Gor bench stunned.
.jpg)
Vice chairperson Sally Bolo did not hold back in her reaction, launching a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in the top flight.
“How does a referee award a penalty, only to overturn it without VAR, seemingly after intervention from the fourth official?” she questioned.
“The standard of officiating is causing serious harm to the brand. Matches should be decided on sporting merit, not what appears to be external influences.”
The frustration deepened late in the game when, despite five minutes of added time being indicated, the referee blew the final whistle after just two minutes
If the events on the pitch were contentious, what happened off it was even more alarming.
During the match, thieves reportedly raided the dressing room, making away with players’ phones, cash and other valuables.
A report was filed at Kasarani Police Station, and investigations have since been launched.
The incident brings back memories of 29 May, 2022, when Nairobi City Stars lost 13 mobile phones and more than Ksh100,000 in a similar theft at the same venue during a match against Gor.
The repeated breaches have now put the spotlight on security protocols at Kasarani, with questions emerging over how such incidents continue to occur during high-profile matches.
Despite the chaos, Gor Mahia remain firmly in control of the title race and will need to quickly refocus ahead of a defining run of fixtures.
Attention now shifts to the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on Sunday, 26 April, a match that could significantly shape the title race.
A win would open a six-point gap at the top, while defeat would allow their closest challengers to draw level and pile pressure on K’Ogalo.