Kenyan League: Charles Akonnor’s Gor Mahia maintain perfect start with Bandari victory

Ghanaian coach Charles Akonnor guided Gor Mahia to a third consecutive victory in the 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League after the Kenyan giants edged Bandari FC 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Midfielder Alpha Onyango scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute to preserve K’Ogalo’s perfect start to the campaign and keep them at the top of the 18-team standings with nine points.

Gor Mahia have emerged as the only side to win all three of their opening matches following their latest success against the Dockers, having previously defeated Murang’a Seal 4-2 and secured a 1-0 victory over APS Bomet.

Assifuah inspires decisive breakthrough

The contest proved difficult for Akonnor’s side, who struggled to break down a resilient Bandari team coached by Charles Okere.

Neither side managed to find the net in the first half, with Gor Mahia unable to translate their efforts into clear-cut opportunities against their well-organised opponents.

Akonnor responded at the interval by introducing Denis Omedi and Ben Stanley for Ebenezer Assifuah and David Okoth as he sought to change the course of the game.

However, it was Assifuah who ultimately proved instrumental in the breakthrough after returning to the pitch as a substitute.

The Ghanaian forward produced an incisive pass that split the Bandari defence and found Onyango in space. The midfielder made no mistake, finishing the move in the 69th minute to hand the hosts the lead.

The goal was Onyango’s second of the season, having also scored in Gor Mahia’s narrow victory over APS Bomet in Kericho.

His latest contribution proved decisive as Gor Mahia held on to secure maximum points despite facing a stubborn challenge from the visitors.

K’Ogalo tighten grip at the summit

The victory leaves Gor Mahia with nine points from their opening three matches, establishing them as the early pace-setters in the Kenyan top flight.

Mara Sugar occupy second place with five points after playing out a goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars.

Gor Mahia’s latest success adds to their impressive start under Akonnor, who continues to oversee the club’s pursuit of another league title.

The Kenyan giants are the most successful club in the country’s top-flight history, with 22 league championships to their name, including their most recent triumph in 2026.

Their title-winning campaigns span several decades, beginning in 1968 and continuing through successive periods of domestic dominance, including a remarkable run of four consecutive championships between 2017 and 2020.

The club’s latest objective will be to sustain its early momentum as the season progresses.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Posta Rangers recorded their first victory of the campaign with a 1-0 win over KCB.

Promoted Migori Youth, meanwhile, remained without a win after drawing 0-0 with Mathare United.

Kenya Police begin new chapter after coaching exits

Sunday’s fixtures will feature several other teams seeking to strengthen their positions, with newcomers 3K facing Murang’a Seal, Nairobi United hosting APS Bomet and Mombasa United taking on former champions Kenya Police FC.

AFC Leopards will also face Shabana FC as the league programme continues.

Kenya Police’s meeting with Mombasa United will be their first match since parting ways with head coach Nicholas Muyoti and assistant coach John Baraza on October 21, after just two league matches.

The club attributed the departures to the coaches’ pursuit of advanced coaching qualifications, explaining that their appointments had been made with an understanding that they could leave to further their education.

“Coach Nicholas Muyoti and John Baraza joined Kenya Police Football Club on the understanding that the Club would release them to advance their CAF coaching credentials whenever an opportunity arose,” the club said in a statement.

“The Club has consented to their requests and recognises that the coaching dynamics are shifting. Soon it will be mandatory for only licensed CAF-A holders to steer Kenya Premier League Teams.”

Kenya Police also commended the duo for their work during their time at the club and wished them well in their coaching and educational pursuits.

Muyoti took charge in January 2026 after previously serving as assistant to Serbian tactician Dusan Stojanovic.

Police have collected just one point from their opening two league matches and sit third from bottom, leaving them with work to do as they prepare for their first fixture following the coaching changes.