This weekend’s clash against Tusker FC (formerly known as Breweries) at Kasarani Stadium marks a historic milestone: our 100th league meeting, the most-played fixture in Kenya’s top flight.
As we celebrate a century of battles, here’s a look back at some of the defining moments of this storied rivalry.
First meeting – 1970
Although the sides first met in the Nairobi Provincial League earlier that year, the inaugural top-flight encounter came in August 1970, with the Brewers winning 3–1. Fred Siranga scored our first-ever goal in this fixture.
First win – 1973
After two losses, we claimed our maiden victory over the Brewers on 4 November 1973, winning 4–2.
The match featured a brace from Phillip Gaetano and a goal by John Chore, following an earlier own goal. Gaetano’s strike also became the first league goal by a foreign player for Gor Mahia.
First hat-trick – 1973
Just ten days after that first win, John Chore ‘pikipiki’ delivered our first hat-trick in this fixture during a 3–2 victory in the reverse tie.
Record scorer – John Chore
On 20 June 1976, Chore netted his 7th career league goal against the Brewers in a 3–1 victory during our famous unbeaten league campaign. He remains Gor Mahia’s top all-time scorer in this rivalry.
Biggest defeat – 1980
In April 1980, we suffered our heaviest loss in this fixture, a 5–1 defeat with former Gor player Peter Odero scoring a hat-trick for the Brewers.
Double agent – 1981
In March 1981, despite beating Breweries 4–1, Simon Nyatome scored for the Brewers, becoming the first player to score for both clubs in this matchup. He had earlier scored for Gor in a 1–0 win in January 1979.
The prodigal son
Midfield maestro Charles Otieno, famously known as ‘Engine,’ sparked outrage when he left Gor Mahia for the Brewers in 1984.
He scored against us in July 1986, drawing fury from fans — but goals from John Okello ‘Zangi’ and George Nyangi Odembo secured us a 2–1 win.
Engine would later rejoin us and be part of the 1987 treble winning team.
Sweet Double – 1995
After Kenya Breweries dethroned us in 1994 to win their first title since 1978, we served revenge cold the following season.
We completed a league double, including a 4–0 demolition with goals from Pius Wamaya (2), George Sunguti, and Steve Odiaga.
Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s strike in the return leg sealed a sweet double en route to recapturing our league crown.
Blackberry’s Magic – 2009/10
In the late 2000s, George “Blackberry” Odhiambo embodied our resurgence.
His early goal earned a 1–0 win in 2009, but it was his breathtaking solo effort in 2010 — during a 2–1 victory in a packed City Stadium — that stamped Gor’s return to title contention and electrified Kenyan football.
Revenge in Kisumu – 2019/20
Nearly four decades after the painful 5–1 loss in 1980, revenge finally arrived. We thrashed Tusker 5–2 in the 2019/20 season opener in Kisumu.
Goals from Nicholas Kipkirui, Kenneth Muguna (2), Charles Momanyi, and Boniface Omondi completed the payback.
As we prepare for our 100th meeting, one question remains: Who writes the next chapter of this legendary rivalry?
