Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino will miss playing for up to six weeks after suffering a muscle injury during his side’s 3–1 Sportpesa League victory over Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

The setback also rules him out of Harambee Stars’ upcoming FIFA Series tournament scheduled for March 23–31, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda.

The centre-back, who had been included in head coach Benni McCarthy’s 23-man national team squad, was forced off in the 35th minute after going down in visible pain and struggling to continue.

Owino was stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Mike Kibwage, prompting immediate concern within the Gor Mahia technical bench.

Medical assessments conducted after the match confirmed the extent of the injury.

Team doctor Brian Odongo disclosed that scans revealed a muscle tear.

“He was referred for further evaluation where an MRI confirmed a partial tear of the lower medial gastrocnemius muscle belly,” Odongo said.

The defender will now undergo treatment and rehabilitation before returning to action.

“He is expected to be out for six weeks before returning to play subject to his recovery progress,” the doctor added.

The development comes as a significant setback for head coach Charles Akonnor during a crucial phase of the season, with Gor Mahia currently leading the league standings on 53 points, ten ahead of AFC Leopards.

“It’s a big blow to us more so at this crucial stage of the season,” Akonnor admitted. “We will have to find a way on how to navigate with the available players because they are equal to the task. We just hope no setback again in terms of injuries.”

Owino’s absence adds to Gor Mahia’s growing injury concerns, with leading scorer Felix Oluoch sidelined for roughly 12 weeks following knee surgery, while winger Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw continues recovery from a shoulder injury.

With the experienced defender unavailable, Frank Odhiambo and Mike Kibwage are expected to anchor the defence as Gor Mahia seek to maintain their title charge.