Gor Mahia delivered a commanding performance to defeat defending champions Kenya Police FC 2-0 in a high-stakes SportPesa Premier League encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The victory ended Police's unbeaten start to the season and catapulted the 21-time record champions to the top of the league standings with 16 points from seven matches.

The match, dubbed the 'Serikali vs Sirkal' derby, saw Gor Mahia establish dominance early. Forward Felix Oluoch found the net just two minutes into the game, capitalizing on a well-placed low cross from Ghanaian Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw to give K'Ogalo a dream start. The early goal unsettled the previously impenetrable Police defense, which had not conceded a goal in the league prior to this match.

Gor Mahia's relentless pressure paid off again at the half-hour mark when winger Shariff Musa scored a stunning goal, doubling their advantage before halftime. The assist again came from Adu-Kwaw, who was a constant threat to the Police backline. The win marked Gor Mahia's first victory over Kenya Police since April 2023.

Tactical Shift Proves Decisive

Gor Mahia's head coach, Charles Akonnor, attributed the victory to a strategic change in formation. Speaking post-match, the Ghanaian tactician revealed his team shifted from their usual 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 setup specifically to counter Police's strengths and exploit their weaknesses, a plan conceived after scouting their opponent's midweek game against Sofapaka. "It worked well for us; we got two early goals. We were tactically disposed and the boys played as instructed," Akonnor stated on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

The tactical discipline was evident as Gor Mahia comfortably managed the game in the second half, neutralizing attempts by the defending champions to mount a comeback. Despite substitutions aimed at chasing the game, Police failed to create clear-cut chances against a compact Gor midfield and resolute defense.

Contrasting Fortunes

The result leaves Gor Mahia two points clear of former leaders Kakamega Homeboyz, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Murang'a Seal. For Kenya Police FC, the loss was a significant setback. It was their first defeat of the season and the first under new Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic, who took charge on November 2, 2025. Stojanovic conceded that his team made critical errors. "We gifted Gor Mahia both goals and they punished us," he said in his post-match comments on November 9, 2025. The defeat sees Police drop to 11th place, though they have played fewer matches than many of their rivals.

The victory extends Gor Mahia's unbeaten run to six matches and serves as a strong statement of intent in their quest to reclaim the league title they lost to Police last season. The league will now take an international break, with Gor Mahia set to resume their campaign with renewed confidence as league leaders. Several K'Ogalo players, including Shariff Musa, are expected to join the Harambee Stars for upcoming friendlies.