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

Record Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia were handed a rough start to the 2025-2026 season after going down 1-0 to bogey side Bidco United at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, 21 September.

A day meant to usher in a new beginning for K’Ogalo under new head coach Charles Akonnor ended up being only a false dawn, as Bidco, despite having a lesser share of possession, converted a late penalty to inflict damage on the men in green, who will blame themselves for being a blunt force in front of goal.

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With all indications pointing to the game ending in a barren draw, the decisive moment came with just three minutes of regular time left to play, when Ghanaian midfielder George Amonno brought down Bidco’s John Kelwish Walubuka inside the box, resulting in a penalty.

Newton Ochieng stepped up to send goalkeeper Gad Matthews to the opposite direction, handing Anthony Akhulia’s side all the three points, while piercing a dagger straight into the hearts of the opposition, probably still reeling from their trophyless hunt last season.

After a couple of months characterized by many exits and incomings, Sunday afternoon was finally time for Gor Mahia to make a tangible statement on what their direction of travel was, and those inside Kasarani might have loved what they saw early on, only that events unfolded to leave them with bitter mouths.

Akonnor, handed the reins as coach in the off-season, had promised an attacking brand of football, and that was on show in the opening minutes as an attack led by new signing Ebenezer Adukwam carved opportunities to take the lead.

The Ghanaian, who was linking up play from the left, created one brilliant chance for Alpha Onyango in the 14th minute, only for his shot to drop wide.

Opting to cover areas deep, Bidco, who beat Gor Mahia in the first-leg last season, only relied on quick counters, and should have got one of their rare forays to go.

On one occasion, the trio of Dennis Murunga, Collins Okello and Victor Kunyili found themselves in the Gor Mahia box, only to fluff the breakaway after Okello settled for a tame shot straight to Matthews.

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Taking the lead from skipper Austin Odhiambo, Gor Mahia bossed proceedings, but failed to create clear-cut chances, leaving center forward Christopher Ochieng to feed on scraps.

A double substitution by Akonnor did little to unlock Akhulia's stubborn defense, with the closest K'Ogalo got being a long-range shot from Austin that fizzed wide.

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True to their character, Bidco, like they did in December last year, needed just one moment to punish the former champions, and effected that through their substitutes, who combined on a counter to win the decisive spot-kick.

Amonno, brought in to ignite energy in attack, was the guilty party, and though he will shoulder blame, credit will ultimately go to humble Bidco, who made the heist possible.

Late goal sinks Seal

Elsewhere in Murang'a, Ulinzi Stars needed a late goal from Paul Okoth to steal a 1-0 win against hosts Murang'a Seal at the St. Sebastian Grounds.

Okoth, making his debut for Ulinzi, connected on a 90th minute delivery from Telena Ochieng to deliver the all-important three points.