Since our first meeting in 1999, clashes between Gor Mahia and Mathare United have produced unforgettable moments filled with passion, drama and history.
Here is a look at five memorable encounters between the two sides.
24 November 1999: Gor Mahia 2–1 Mathare United
Earlier that year, newly promoted Mathare United, then the defending Moi Golden Cup champions, had beaten us 1–0 in our first-ever encounter. So when we met later in the season, revenge was on the cards.
Even though Gor were out of the title race, goals from Boniface Alamoro and Benard Odhiambo earned us our first-ever league win over the “Slum Boys.”
24 August – 17 September 2008: Gor Mahia 1–1 Mathare United
This remains one of the most unusual fixtures in our history, a game that took 24 days to complete!
Mathare were title contenders at the time, while we were still rebuilding after years of financial struggles. A controversial Austin Makacha penalty gave Mathare the lead before chaos saw the match abandoned at halftime.
After hearings and appeals, the league ordered the second half to be played 24 days later, on 17 September, when Habil Otieno struck a dramatic 87th minute equalizer to send K’Ogalo fans into wild celebrations.
24 August 2012: Gor Mahia 2–2 Mathare United
Our 2012 season had begun disastrously, but under newly appointed Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic, belief was returning.
In front of a packed Nyayo Stadium under floodlights, including our late patron Raila Odinga, Mathare stunned us with two quick goals by the 37th minute. Logarusic’s inspired substitutions changed the game as Dan Sserunkuma bagged a brace to spark a thrilling comeback.
That result extended our unbeaten run to nine games, momentum that nearly carried us to the title, only missing out on the final day.
21 February 2015: Gor Mahia 4–2 Mathare United
The 2015 season opener set the tone for what would become our unbeaten “Invincibles” campaign.
Returning after a year away, Ali Abondo gave us the lead before Noah Abich equalized from the spot. A superb header from new signing Michael Olunga restored our advantage just before halftime.
Abich struck again from a free kick, but we roared back as Abondo finished a Godfrey Walusimbi cross to make it 3–2, and Meddie Kagere set up Olunga for his second to complete a thrilling win at City Stadium.
14 January 2021: Gor Mahia 3–1 Mathare United
After going seven league matches without a win against Mathare, stretching back to 2016, we finally broke the streak at Kasarani Annex during the Covid-19 era.
Goals from Charles Momanyi, Kenneth Muguna, and Alphonce Onyango sealed a 3–1 victory, ending Mathare’s recent stubbornness and lifting the spirits of the Green Army watching from home.
A rivalry full of stories
From delayed matches and dramatic comebacks to unforgettable goals, clashes between Gor Mahia and Mathare United have always delivered. Each chapter tells a story of resilience, passion and the fighting spirit that defines Sirkal.
