Austin Odhiambo stars as Gor Mahia edge AFC Leopards to win Madaraka Day Cup

Gor Mahia's Austine Odhiambo celebrate his goal during FKF Premier League match against FC Talanta at The Moi International Sports centre Kasarani Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]Caption

Gor Mahia are the 2022 Madaraka Day Cup champions.

The record Kenyan champions saw off eternal rivals 6-5 (1-1) in post-match penalties to win the exhibition match organised by the government as part of the Madaraka Day celebrations.

President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country on Wednesday in marking the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations at the newly refurbished Uhuru Gardens.

At Nyayo Stadium, Austin Odhiambo was the hero of the day as Gor and AFC leopards entertained Kenyans in a blistering final attended by thousands of fans donning green and blue jerseys.

Collins Shivachi gave Leopards a narrow 1-0 halftime lead after heading past Gor custodian Gad Mathews in the 34th minute.

In the final half, Gor would level the scores through Austin Odhiambo who capitalized on the slow reaction of Leopard shot-stopper Levis Opiyo to tie the scores at 1-1 with 20 minutes left on the clock.

With no winner at the end of the full 90 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties.

Esilaba Tedian, Washington Munene, Victor Omune, Lopaga Josephat and John Makwata successfully converted Ingwe’s opening five penalties to tie at 5-5 in the opening 10 penalties.

Gor captain Philemon Otieno had led his side in converting their own five penalties followed by Samwel Onyango, Benson Omalla, Dennis Njire and John Macharia.

Gor would then get an upper hand after winger Peter Thiongo blasted wide Leopard's sixth penalty.

Austin Odhiambo rose to the occasion to slide home the ball by sending Ingwe’s keeper Opiyo the wrong way with a low shot on the right side of the post for a 6-5 win.

Gor Mahia in the process walked away with Sh1 million prize money promised by the government who were represented by Sports CS Amina Mohammed.

President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were expected to grace the match but were nowhere to be seen.