Chaos forces premature end to Gor Mahia, Nairobi United league match

Just days after Gor Mahia’s chairman Ambrose Rachier pledged to the club’s sponsors that the team would uphold a positive image, the club’s fans were again involved in acts of hooliganism, clashing with their Nairobi United counterparts during a SportPesa League match on Sunday.

The chaos brought the high-stakes clash at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi to a premature halt in the 58th minute, with the sides tying at 1-1. Trouble started shortly after “Naibois” scored the equaliser through Ovella Ochieng.

Gor had taken the lead in the 15th minute through Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw's goal.

During the celebrations of Nairobi’s equaliser, a section of their fans hurled objects, including flares, onto the pitch, sparking the unrest.

In response, some Gor supporters stormed Nairobi’s section and assaulted the rival fans, forcing them to flee for safety.

Police intervened by firing teargas canisters into the air, as several fans jumped onto the pitch for safety.

Players from both teams dashed to their dressing rooms for safety as well.

Some fans were hurt, and Azam Television Outside Broadcast van was partly vandalised in the chaos.

Ahead of the match, there were fears of crowd trouble due to the rivalry between the two sets of fans. Nairobi defeated Gor 2-1 in the Mozzart Bet Cup final held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on June 29.

Thanks to the victory, Gor finished the season empty-handed while Naibos secured a maiden ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup. While Gor were seeking to avenge the painful loss, Nairobi were out to extend their dominance over K’Ogalo.

Nairobi were forced to host the match at the 5,000-seater stadium due to the unavailability of Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Speaking a week ago during the unveiling of painting company Kansai Plascon Kenya as Gor partner, Rachier promised the firm that the club would portray it and other partners positively by avoiding negative acts, including violence.

“I want to appeal to our club members in whatever category that we give a proper image, not a negative one, to our sponsors, consumers, and anybody who has an interest in Gor. The good image, as you know, is no violence,” Rachier said then.

Sunday’s chaos adds to the long list of hooliganism incidents involving the club over the years. By the time of going to press, Football Kenya Federation had yet to release a statement over the chaos. Gor remained top with 24 points from 13 matches. Following Tusker’s 2-1 win over APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium, the brewers moved to second on 24 points but with an inferior goal difference compared to K’Ogalo. Substitute Dennis Oguta netted the winning goal for Tusker, seeing them return to winning ways after their 1-0 loss to Murang’a Seal in their previous encounter.

Bandari United also brought their five-match winless streak with a 1-0 win over Mathare United at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa. Bandari are 12th with 17 points from 14 matches, just one point shy of Mathare United, who sit 10th.

Sunday’s results

APS Bomet 0 Tusker 1

Bandari 1 Mathare United 0

*Nairobi United 1 Gor Mahia 1

Playing on Monday

Mara Sugar v Murang’a Seal (Awendo Green Stadium, Migori 1pm)

Sofapaka v Kariobangi Sharks (MISC Kasarani Annex, 2pm)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Kenya Police (Bukhungu Stadium, 3pm)

Ulinzi Stars v Posta Rangers    (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 4pm)

Playing on Tuesday

Bidco United v AFC Leopards (MISC, 3pm)

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