Gor Mahia Retains the League title for the 3rd consecutive time

After a glorious run in January that saw them win the CECAFA cup for the first time in four years, Gor Mahia went on to win the league title for the 3rd consecutive time. Much of this was due to the brilliant work of coach Len Julians. A key reason for Gor Mahia’s success was their rock solid defense comprising Bobby Ogolla and Austin Oduor in central defence with Isaiah Omondi and Swaleh Ochieng on the flanks. In between the sticks Gor Mahia had two excellent goalkeepers in Tirus Omondi and David Ochieng. The intense competition between the two, kept the sharp. As a result, Gor Mahia only conceded 16 goals, which was 9 goals better than the next best team.

In midfield, Gor Mahia boasted Abbas Khamis Magongo, the best midfielder in the country. He covered every inch of the field, supporting the defense effectively while contributing 13 goals during the campaign. He was ably assisted by other brilliant midfielders like new sigining George Nyangi, John Okello “Zangi”, George Onyango Fundi and Gideon Hamisi. In attack, Gor Mahia boasted the free scoring Hesbone Omollo and brilliant ball juggler Abdallah Shebe. Sammy Onyango and sometimes Ben Oloo “breakdance manned the left flank with the right flank alternating between the Obwaka brothers, William and Enock.

A strong AFC Leopards side put up a spirited fight, challenging Gor Mahia all the way to the end. Wilberforce Mulamba had his best season ever finishing as top scorer. New signing Peter Owade ” Zimbo” was brilliant in midfield along with another new signing in Johnstone Kefa “Tasso”. In attack, AFC boasted speedy trio of Francis Kadenge, Michael Amwayi and Joe Masiga. The deadly trio went on a rampage, scoring 75 goals, the most of any team.

Other solid performers were Kenya Breweries who finished third thanks to the brilliance of players like  James Ouma “Jacaranda” , Charles Otieno, Douglas Mutua, Paul Onyiera, Neviile Pudo and Dino Kitavi.

Other players who made a name for themselves in 1985 included Charles Odero of Scarlet, Eric Onyango and Dick Anyanga of Transcom, Vitalis Swara and Charles Ochieng of Re Union, Leonard Khayota and Evans Chibinda of Nzoia. Anthony Ochieng, Hussein Kheri and Nahashon Mahila of KTM.

The rise of Shabana FC

The year 1985 marked the arrival of Shabana FC. Known popularly as the “Pride of Gusii” , Shabana instantly became the third most popular side in the league after Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. Whereas newly promoted teams typically found themselves swiftly relegated back to the lower tiers, Shabana acquitted themselves well, finishing 10th out of 18 teams.

What was most impressive about Shabana was that they fielded a team full of schoolboys including the likes of Henry Nyandoro, Anthony Walioba, Salim Mabrouk and Henry Motego who ended up as one of the top scorers in the league. They were joined by veterans like Sylvester Mageni ,  Damian Ochieng and Jack Machabo.

1985 Kenya National Football League Final Standings

1985 Kenya National Football League Top Scorers

1985 CECAFA Club Cup

After the Zamalek fiasco of 1984, six Gor Mahia players plus coach Len Julians were forbidden from participating in the 1985 CECAFA cup. Not much was expected from Gor Mahia as such. But they shocked everyone by beating both host teams, El Merreikh and Al Hilal enroute to the finals where they beat AFC Leopards 2-0 in an All Kenyan final. William Obwaka scored both goals.

1985 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

The 1985 CECAFA cup was held in Zimbabwe. Coach Marshall Mulwa who had led Kenya to three consecutive titles from 1981 to 1983 , was dropped after the 1984 disaster and replaced by Chris Makokha. Kenya was a new look side and included many newcomers like goalkeeper Tirus Omondi, striker Chris Oluoch “Kanindo” , defender Gabriel Olang. Kenya finished at the top of group A after drawing with hosts Zimbabwe and beating Tanzania 3-2.

In the semi-finals, Kenya faced off with perrennial rivals Uganda. After a scoreless 90 minutes, the match went to penalties. Kenya goalkeeper Tirus Omondi put on a clinic in penalty saving that saw Kenya beat Uganda 3-1 on penalties. In the final, Kenya went down 2-0 to hosts Zimbabwe who won the title for the first time.

AFC Leopards Magical run to the Semi-Finals

In 1985, AFC Leopards recorded their best ever performance in a continental championship. They accomplished this when they reached the semi-finals of the Africa cup winners cup.

In the opening round, they eliminated El Merreikh of Sudan, winning 2-0 at home and losing 2-1 away, thus winning 3-2 on aggregate. In the second round, AFC faced a tough Mufulira Wanderers side. In 1985 The Zambian giants boasted a strong squad that boasted Zambian legends Kalusha Bwalya and Charles Musonda who proceeded to the Netherlands and Belgium respectively during the following year. Mufulira also boasted a number of Zambian internationals like goalkeeper Efford Chabala and midfielder Freddie Kashimoto. Both the away game and the home game ended 1-1 with George Olubendi scoring a crucial late equalizer that sent the game to penalties where AFC Leopards prevailed 5-3. Olubendi’s memorable goal was a deflection off his back after Tony Lidonde had taken a shot on goal.

In the quarter-finals, AFC Leopards were pitted against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko who had been crowned Africa champions only two years earlier. After losing the first leg 2-0 in Ghana, AFC Leopards won the return leg 2-0 with Wilberforce Mulamba scoring twice including a well taken spot kick. In the resulting penalty shootout, AFC again prevailed. After Saarah Mensah sent his effort over the bar, Henry Omondi scored the winning penalty sending the crowd at Nyayo stadium into a frenzy.

In the semis. AFC played Leventis United of Ibadan Nigeria. The Nigerian side won the opening leg 2-0. AFC won the return leg 1-0 but it was not enough to see them through.