Gor Mahia's head coach, Sinisa Mihic, reprimanded his team for playing casually during their match against Nairobi City Stars on Thursday, after their 2-1 loss.
Long after the final whistle blew, the disappointment of the loss echoed through Dandora Stadium, which is typically a stronghold for K'Ogalo.
The severity of the situation was illustrated by Mihic's post-match remarks, in which he reprimanded his team for their poor performance, endangering their hopes of defending the championship.
Mihic said his team's performance fell short of expectations in the most crucial phase of the competition. His analysis of the match exposed more serious problems.
"We simply lacked the vigour to win us a match. I believe we should have done better. A few concentration lapses got us into unnecessary trouble," Mihic said.
He said the pressure of the title chase, particularly in the closing stages of the season, loomed large over the players.
Expectations from supporters, who have long treasured Gor Mahia's legendary legacy, can be a source of inspiration... and a significant burden.
"That too might have to some extent contributed to our dismal performance. I believe that we were somewhat burdened by the pressure from the fans," he said.
The match unfolded with a frenetic pace, as Hansel Ochieng of City Stars struck early, sending shockwaves through the Gor Mahia ranks just five minutes into the game.
Yet, the response was swift; last season's top scorer, Benson Omalla, showcased his prowess by equalising just three minutes later.
This moment of hope, however, was short-lived. In a cruel twist of fate, Vincent Owino converted a penalty in the 17th minute, reinstating City Stars' lead and leaving Gor Mahia scrambling for answers.
This loss not only impacted Gor Mahia’s standing in the league but also shifted the dynamics at the top of the table.
With Kenya Police now enjoying a five-point advantage, the path to reclaiming the title has become more treacherous. Tusker, too, looms just two points ahead of Gor, intensifying the competition and raising the stakes for every subsequent match.
In the coming weeks, Gor Mahia must navigate the psychological landscape of competition.
"The players need to harness their passion and resilience, channelling the fervour of their supporters into a renewed sense of purpose.
"The fans, who fill the stands with unwavering loyalty, deserve a team that fights tooth and nail for every point," Mihic said.
City Stars head coach Francis Gitagia stood tall, a beacon of pride and determination. As he took in the scene in front of him, his eyes glistened with a mixture of amazement and joy.
“It was a lovely scene. We deserved the win. We were at our best,” he remarked, his voice carrying the weight of triumph and the relief of hard work paying off," he said.
Despite the win, City Stars are still languishing at the second bottom of the table. Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks piled more misery on KCB after beating them 1-0 in an earlier encounter.
