Football: Gor, Liberty are FKF Nairobi leagues champs

Liberty Sports Academy FC Celebrate after beating Supa Loaf FC 3-1 during Nairobi County Mini league sponsored by Supa Loaf Mini Bakery at City Stadium on Saturday, October 25th. 2014. Photo/Jonah Onyango.

Following in the footsteps of the senior team, Gor Mahia junior side (U 19) emerged champions of the Nairobi County Mini League after pulling a stunning comeback to edge Naivas 2-1 in the final at City Stadium on Saturday.

Going into the final as a team that has had some sterling performances in the County League this season, K'Ogalo junior side had massive support from their fans as they faced Naivas in what promised to be one of the best football show at junior levels.

Naivas started the match well with a huge share of possession to make the young Gor Mahia side back-pedal most of the time trying to contain their opponents.

Both sides created good chances as the first 45 minutes unfolded but neither side was able to find the back of the net.

Second half was quite eventful as Naivas squeezed one to break the deadlock after a defensive error and Gor's goalkeeper Jack Omondi was well beaten with a nice curled ball into the net for the opener.

After some substitutions by the Gor side, things seemed to be moving in the right direction. Gabriel Owino came in for Cliff Nyakeya as Elias Otieno moved upfront. Otieno struck for an equaliser after being set through by Derrick Onyango to the excitement of the fans who thronged the venue to witness what their junior team had in terms of talent.

Riding on morale by the equaliser and fans' support, K'Ogalo youth team pressed harder and it was Derrick Onyango who grabbed the winner in the extra time to earn the youngsters a well-deserved 2-1 win over Naivas to be crowned champions.

On their way to the finals, Gor Mahia youth knocked out Ken Afric 1-0 in semi-final on Friday. The juniors will now be promoted the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Provincial League next season.

At the same venue, Liberty Academy beat Super Loaf FC 3-1 in the Nairobi Provincial League finals. Super Loaf were the first to score from a penalty just four minutes into the game through Kevin Masinde before Anthony Mbugua equalised for Liberty from a well-taken freekick.

Liberty got their second goal through Victor Olunga before Brian Juma made it  3-1 win in the 78th minute. Liberty will now be promoted to FKF Division One league next season.

FKF President Sam Nyamweya urged sponsors to come on board to help other counties carry for the development of football. 

"With sponsorships there will be potential growth of football in all corners of Kenya," said Nyamweya.