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Ukunda turned into a theatre of dreams . The air was heavy with anticipation, the drums rolled, and fans poured into Bandari’s Ukunda Sports Complex to witness football at its purest form. What began as a celebration of a political party’s 20-year anniversary became a gripping festival of Kenyan football.
The ODM@20 Tournament brought together four giants — Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Bandari, and Shabana. Each team came not just for the trophy, but for pride, rhythm, and a statement. What followed were two days of drama, sweat, penalties, and redemption.
Bandari met AFC Leopards in the first semi-final. The game had its sparks but no goals in regular time. Both sides probed, pressed, but couldn’t find the net. Then came penalties — the defining test of nerve. Former AFC man Levis Opiyo, now wearing Bandari’s colors, became the hero of the shootout. He saved Kelly Madada’s effort, while James Kinyanjui rattled the bar. Bandari edged Leopards 4–3 to book a place in the final, leaving Ingwe fans holding their heads in disbelief.
The second semi had the familiar tension of old rivalry. Gor Mahia took on Shabana under the coastal heat. It was tight, physical, full of intent. In the 42nd minute, Samuel Kapen latched onto a loose ball and tucked it home for Gor. The green side roared. But in the 59th, Humphrey Obino stepped up for Shabana and curled a stunning free kick past Gad Mathews to level. One-one. Ninety minutes gone. Penalties again. Gor Mahia held their composure and edged Shabana 4–3, booking their spot in the final.
The final was everything a coastal night should be — tense, beautiful, and unpredictable. Bandari came hard, pressing early and asking questions. Abdallah Hassan’s corner nearly curled in. Gor responded through Joash Onyango, whose shot grazed the post. The first half ended without a goal, the fans restless, the air thick.
Then came the 64th minute. A free kick. A moment. Ebenezer Adukwaw stepped up, placed the ball, and bent it beyond Levis Opiyo’s stretch into the top corner. A beauty. A goal worthy of a final. The crowd erupted, green and white flags waving wildly in the humid Ukunda air. That was the difference. Gor Mahia 1, Bandari 0. The mighty K’Ogalo were champions again — their first silverware after a trophyless season.
In the third-place playoff, Shabana edged AFC Leopards 1–0 thanks to an early strike from Erick Otieno. It was enough to secure them bronze and bragging rights.
When it came to the prize money, Gor Mahia walked away with 1 million shillings. Bandari received 750,000, Shabana 500,000, and AFC Leopards 250,000. Governors and politicians sweetened the pot: Gladys Wanga added 250,000 to Gor’s share, Mombasa’s Abdulswamad Nassir did the same for Bandari, while Kisii Governor Simba Arati topped up Shabana’s winnings.
But not all news was cheerful. Gor’s keeper Gad Mathews fell ill during the tournament and was flown to Nairobi for treatment. Adukwaw, the hero of the final, played through a knock on his arm and is being assessed by the team doctors.
When the final whistle blew, it wasn’t just about money or politics — it was about football. The sweat, the roars, the songs from the stands, and the unfiltered emotion that defines Kenyan football. For two days, the Coast belonged to the game. And as Gor Mahia lifted the trophy under the fading sun, it felt like more than a win — it was revival.
Author:
Richard Ogola
Kenyan Sports Writer | Telling the real stories behind Kenyan football
