Kisumu County is set to host a landmark football occasion when Dero FC welcome Gor Mahia in the 2026 FKF Cup Round of 64 clash scheduled for Saturday 7, February at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium.
The fixture marks one of Gor Mahia’s rare competitive appearances in Kisumu this season and is expected to draw fans from across the wider Nyanza region, stretching beyond Siaya. The encounter carries historic significance, pitching grassroots ambition against Kenyan football royalty in a classic cup narrative.
Oswere confident as Dero target famous cup upset
Dero FC chairman, and FKF Siaya County chairman, Kevin Oswere has exuded confidence ahead of the encounter, insisting his side is ready to test themselves against the record FKF Premier League champions.
A Division Two outfit, Dero FC has built its identity around grassroots football development and views the Gor Mahia tie as a rare platform for local talent to gain national exposure.
The club’s name, “Dero,” meaning a traditional granary, symbolises community, resilience and endurance, values Oswere believes will be crucial in navigating the high-stakes cup contest.
Home advantage and community pride
With FKF regulations allowing lower-tier teams to host early-round matches, Dero will enjoy home advantage in Kisumu, where a large turnout is expected.
For many local fans, the match represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Gor Mahia live, following a season in which K’Ogalo have made only a handful of visits to the county.
Cup football offers no guarantees
Gor Mahia head into the clash as overwhelming favourites, but FKF Cup history has repeatedly shown that pedigree offers no protection in knockout football.
Dero will be seeking redemption after their Round of 64 exit last season, when they were eliminated 3–1 by AFC Leopards, while Gor Mahia will be keen to avoid becoming the latest giant to suffer an early-round upset.
All eyes will be on Kisumu on 8 February as one of the most anticipated FKF Cup fixtures of the round unfolds.
