Gor Mahia vs Bidco United: New Coach Charles Akonnor Faces First Test in SportPesa League Opener

All eyes are on the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, today as record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia kickstart a “new era” in their 25/26 SportPesa League opener against Bidco United.

For a club still stinging from a disastrous trophyless season, this is more than just a match; it’s the first test of a complete overhaul aimed at reclaiming glory.

The game, which kicks off at 4 PM EAT, will set the tone for K’Ogalo’s redemption campaign.

A Fallen Giant’s Quest for Glory

The 2024/25 season was one to forget for Gor Mahia.

The 21-time Kenyan champions went trophyless for the first time since 2016, a bitter pill to swallow for their passionate fanbase.

The disappointments were significant: losing the league title to Kenya Police FC and suffering a stunning cup final defeat to “minnows” Nairobi United.

The club’s response was swift and decisive.

The entire technical bench was fired, ushering in new leadership under former Ghana national team head coach and Wolfsburg captain, Charles Akonnor.

His mission is clear: steer the club to a record-extending 22nd league title and restore their dominant status in Kenyan football.

Today’s match marks Akonnor’s first Premier League game in charge, a fresh chapter for him and the team.

His preseason preparations included a 2-0 friendly loss to Simba in Dar es Salaam, which gave him a valuable opportunity to assess his new squad.

The Bogey Team: Bidco United’s Challenge

Standing in Gor Mahia’s way is a formidable and familiar opponent: Bidco United.

Anthony Akhulia’s side has proven to be a “bogey team” for K’Ogalo in recent times.

Bidco is unbeaten against Gor in their last two encounters, which included one win and a goalless draw in their most recent clash in February 2025.

Head-to-Head Record (Since 2021)	Matches
Total Meetings	11
Gor Mahia Wins	4
Draws	6
Bidco United Wins	1

While Gor Mahia holds a historical advantage in their 11 meetings since 2021—winning four, drawing six, and losing only once—the fixture remains highly competitive.

Bidco United also has its own battle to fight.

The Thika-based team narrowly avoided relegation last season on goal difference, making a strong start to the new campaign equally crucial for their ambitions.

Pre-Match Pulse: Tactics, Team News, and High Stakes

The mood in the Gor Mahia camp is one of focused determination.

Assistant coach Bismark Kobi-Mensah stressed the importance of a positive start.

“We seriously want to start the season very well because we have a plan and to achieve it, we need to start well. This means the first game is very crucial to us.”

Despite acknowledging that preparations weren’t perfect, he noted that the players “are very sharp and have shown their readiness”.

Tactical Approach

Tactically, Gor Mahia is expected to play an aggressive, possession-based game, aiming to control the tempo and create early scoring chances.

Breaking down Bidco will be a key challenge, as they are known for their disciplined and organized style of play.

Team News

The squad is reported to be in “excellent shape,” but they will be without one key player.

Defender Sylvester Owino is sidelined with an injury sustained during training, an absence that will be felt in the backline.

More Than Just Three Points

As fans gather at Kasarani, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

They will be eager to see if Gor Mahia can leverage their historical advantage and make a powerful statement from the very beginning.

Will Charles Akonnor’s new era begin with a triumphant victory, or will the bogey team Bidco United spoil the party once again?

The outcome of this thrilling encounter will offer the first real glimpse into whether Gor Mahia is on the path to redemption.