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Gor Mahia, one of Kenya's most celebrated football clubs, emerged triumphant against a tough Kakamega Homeboyz side, securing their record seventh FKF Charity Shield.
It was a day of jubilation for Ugandan striker Patrick Kaddu and his team Gor Mahia, as they clinched the 2023 Kenyan Charity Shield, adding another feather to Kaddu’s illustrious cap, even though he watched the game from the sidelines.
Gor Mahia, one of Kenya's most celebrated football clubs, emerged triumphant against a tough Kakamega Homeboyz side, securing their record seventh FKF Charity Shield.
The match, a hard-fought contest at the Kasarani Stadium, saw Gor Mahia rise as victors in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 full-time scoreline.
The first 45 minutes of the encounter was reminiscent of two heavyweights sizing each other up, with neither team making significant incursions into the other's territory.
Gor Mahia's initial attempt to break the deadlock came in the 18th minute from Lawrence Juma, whose long-range effort failed to challenge Homeboyz's keeper Farouk Shikalo.
The Green Army then threatened again in the 32nd minute, when Rony Onyango's cross, following an exquisite interplay with John Macharia, found no takers.
Kakamega Homeboyz replied with their own attempt at glory. Moses Shummah nearly became their hero in the 41st minute, but his shot, assisted by Hillary Otieno's pass, couldn't find the target.
The second half presented a transformed narrative. Gor Mahia, with renewed vigor, began to press higher. A couple of early substitutions resulted in immediate impact, with substitute Lyson Muyonga coming close in the 55th minute.
The team's breakthrough arrived just six minutes later when another substitute, Alpha Onyango, initiated a move leading to Boniface Omondi's thunderous strike, which found its way into the net courtesy of a deflection.
However, the joy was short-lived for K’Ogalo. Homeboyz bounced back ten minutes later, capitalizing on Gor's momentary lapse in a set-piece situation.
Eric Ambunya was the man of the moment, punishing keeper Omondi’s blunder to level the score.
With the match ending in a stalemate after regular time, the fate of the trophy was to be decided from the spot. And it was Muyonga who took the final, decisive penalty, securing Gor Mahia's coveted seventh Shield title.
This victory comes at a crucial juncture for Gor Mahia, as they prepare for the upcoming FKF Premier League (FKFPL) season, aiming to defend their title. Their campaign kicks off on August 26, 2023, against Sofapaka FC.
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