Bidco United coach breaks down tactics behind win over Gor Mahia

Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia said his team being tactically sound was the key to their 1-0 victory over Gor Mahia on the opening weekend of the 2025-2026 FKF Premier League season.

Coming in as underdogs at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, 21 September, Bidco relied on their strong defense and counterattacks to outdo Charles Akonnor’s side, despite having to make do with little possession.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

In a game of few clear-cut chances, substitute Newton Ochieng was the man who emerged match-winner, expertly dispatching an 89th-minute penalty past Gad Matthews, moments after George Amonno had brought down John Kelwish Walubuka inside the box.

Speaking after the win, mastermind Akhulia lauded his players for having played as per his tactical blueprint, which rendered Gor Mahia’s barrage of attacks futile.

Bidco United stun Gor Mahia as coach Akonnor endures brutal FKF PL debut

“It was a very tough match,” the Kenya U20 assistant coach said post-game.

“I think Gor Mahia had an upper chance of winning this game because tactically they were doing a better job in attack, and so our job was just to sit back, allow them to have the ball, and explore opportunities through quick breaks, and it happened.”

Boasting of a line-up that included the enterprising Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Adukwaw, Gor Mahia’s forward line meant Akhulia’s work was cut out in a frantic first half, stressing his need to drop numbers in behind.

The cost of that approach meant Bidco were unable to create their own chances in transition, and when they did, they settled for tame efforts.

Explaining the set-up, Akhulia said: “Gor Mahia is a team that, if you offer them space, they will find a way to score

The only thing we needed to avoid was to concede. We also tried to build, but found it difficult to penetrate through the Gor Mahia midfield and defense.”

A notable shift in Akhulia’s game plan saw him deploy pacy wingers from the bench, who he and his new-look technical bench anticipated would trouble Gor Mahia on breakaways.

In the 57th minute, Akhulia introduced Kelwish, Ochieng, and Herman Ngala, who all played a role in the win.

“We opted to bring wingers with speed and from their first few touches, won the penalty,” Akhulia said. “Tactically, we got a lot of things right, and we are so grateful for the win.”

The win presented Bidco’s second in the last three head-to-head matches, a spell that has also seen them concede zero goals to the former champions.

Call them a bogey team, but one well backed by managerial nous.

FIFA U20 WWC Q: Rising Starlets face second leg test after Addis stalemate