In the late 1980s, Gor Mahia became one of the most famous clubs on the continent of Africa. They became the first club in East and Central Africa to win a continental trophy when the won the Africa cup winners cup (now known as the CAF Confederations cup) in 1987.

At this time, Gor Mahia provided almost half of the players who played for the national team Harambee stars which finished second at the 4th All African games and qualified for the Africa nations cup in 1988 and 1990. Most notable amongst these was Peter Dawo who was the top scorer in the 1987 Africa cup winners cup in 1987. That year he was voted amongst the 10 best African players. Left winger Sammy Onyango “Jogoo” provided inch perfect crosses from either wing. Speedy winger Anthony Ndolo earned the nickname Suzuki for the way he blew past hapless defenders at mesmerizing speed. In Midfield Gor Mahia had a genius in Abbas Khamis Magongo who single handedly controlled the middle of the park with his clever passes, flicks and sublime touches. There was also George Onyango , nicknamed “Fundi” and Charles Otieno nicknamed “Engine” due to his powerful runs. The defence too was rock solid with Tobias Ocholla, Peter Otieno Bassanga, Isaiah Omondi and skipper Austin Oduor Makamu.

Gor Mahia also won the Kenya national league in 1987 and the Moi Golden cup in 1987, 88 and 89. They elaos reached the semi final of the Africa cup winners cup in 1989.