Kenyan champions Gor Mahia made history on Friday July 31,2015 when they beat much fancied Sudan side Al Khartoum 3-1 to reach the finals for the first time in thirty years.

Al Khartoum is coached by non other than Ghana’s Black Stars 2014 FIFA World Cup Coach James Kwesi Appiah.

Mercurial and tournament’s sensation Michael “Midusa” Olunga, speedy winger Innocent Wafula and experienced Rwandan Meddie Kagere scored for K’Ogalo while Amin Elmani netted Khartoum’s lone goal, in the thrilling semi final match staged at the National Stadium.

Just like in 1985 when a depleted Gor squad set out for a mission impossible in a foreign land,Khartoum-Sudan, very few gave the current team a second thought. The 1985 squad travelled minus six dependable players plus Coach Len Julian who were suspended by CAF a year earlier, due to a scuffle in Egypt while playing against Zamalek in a continental assignment.

The team headed to Tanzania commercial capital Dar Es Salaam, the host city of this year’s edition against a back drop of murmurs of whether their impeccable run in the league was being aided by poor refereeing.

By the time Gor was leaving for Kageme Cup, they had left an insurmountable twelve points gap at the top of Kenyan Premier League – a lead yet to be covered three weeks down the line.

To capture the skepticism with which Gor was treated before the Dar trip, Kenya FA deliberately denied them air tickets sighting lack of money, only to make a u-turn upon hearing the team had secured a final berth, to offer a reward of Kshs 250,000 if they bring home the gong.

All that did not bother the team at any one given time, their focus and resolve to better last year’s dismal show in Rwanda where they failed to go past group stages was steadfast. Coach Frank Nuttall gave himself a modest target of taking the team past the the group stage, which he achieved with flying colors – Gor topped group ‘A’ with 10 points.

The Kenya’s representatives made a loud statement of intent on the opening day of the tournament against hosts and regional powerhouse Yanga SC; K’Ogalo showed no mercy on the blue eyed boys of Dar, putting them to the sward before a fully packed National Stadium. By the blow of final whistle Mahia were 2-1 victors, earning themselves instant admirers and enemies in almost equal measure.

The 14- time KPL champions never looked back thereafter, beating KMKM 3-1, drawing against Al Khartoum 1-1, before winning their last group match against Djibouti Telecom 3-1. They marched on past Malakia of South Sudan 2-1 to reach semi finals.

Back at home, the five time Kagame Cup Champions continued to grab headlines on all media platforms one conquest after the other. The online space was a buzz with Kenyans rallying behind the team with messages of encouragement – on twitter the revered Kenyans On Twitter, KOT, made sure #GorMahia trended after every match.

The team had captured the imagination of many, not only in Kenya but in the entire region. No doubt they have punched above their weight, coming against the best in the region and emerging tops. Gor is now 90 minutes away from re-writing history.

The tales of the past glory which have been passed from generation to generation through songs and in written form, could be relived on Sunday August 2,2015 when Gor face money bags Azam FC of Tanzania in the much hyped finals.

The match against Azam FC will be epic, the men from Chamazi are yet to concede a goal in open play thus far, they boast of a complete squad with good depth – Gor on the other hand is a mystery (Mahia), their forward line is deadly and lethal, you never know who will score, I can’t wait!

One man who played for K’Ogalo in the last final in Khartoum is today part of the team’s technical bench, Bobby Ogola watched as history repeated itself yesterday – what a honor it will be for the legend if he wins it on Sunday with as a coach.

As wishes of good luck continues to come thick and furious for Gor, I leave you with Kenya’s Commander in Chief, President Uhuru Kenyatta tweet of goodwill.

“Well played #GorMahia. Congratulations for reaching the finals of the #CECAFAKagameCup. Best of luck as you prepare to win in the finals.”

Find me on twitter @bonfaceosano

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com