Gor Mahia will not defend their Sportpesa Cup title after they failed in the first huddle, going down to little known Mbao FC 4-3 on post match penalties.
Gor went into the match full of confidence, having qualified for the CAF Confederations cup group stages for the second consecutive season. Their fans expected them to brush aside the Tanzanian side and set a pulsating semifinal date with the ever improving Kariobangi Sharks.
Unfortunately, K’ogallo will now be on the next flight home after Captain Haron Shakava and Ugandan import Shafik Batambuze missed the last two penalties.
But should have the fans expected this loss? According to sources, the club has not paid the players their allowances and bonuses despite their heroics this season.
Coach Hassan Oktay had made a clarion call to the team’s hierarchy to ensure the team’s spirit is not broken by delayed arrears. Unfortunately Chairman Ambrose Rachier and his team were not quick to act.
Rachier had assured the players that there arrears would be paid soon, but it seems that assurance was not enough. Gor are now out, and will miss the chance to play Everton again later this year.