Gor Mahia overcame their recent woes to deliver a convincing performance against Ulinzi Stars as Police FC extended their brilliant run with victory over FC Talanta.
Gor Mahia returned to winning ways in style, defeating Ulinzi Stars 3-0, in a thrilling FKF Premier League encounter at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday.
The defending champions came into the game eager to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 loss to Police FC, while Ulinzi Stars were desperate to end their six-match winless streak.
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Gor Mahia retained Kevin Omondi between the posts, with Sylvester Owino marshalling the defence. Captain Austin Odhiambo led the team from the attacking front.
On the other side, Ulinzi Stars fielded Ricks Omondi as their goalkeeper, supported by Felix Otieno and Telena Ochieng in defense, with Muchiri Boniface wearing the captain's armband and spearheading the attack.
The defending champions began the match with high intensity, asserting their dominance early on.
K'Ogalo nearly broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Joshua Onyango’s effort from Samuel Kapen's throw-in struck the woodwork.
Three minutes later, their persistence bore fruit. Levin Joseph delivered a precise ball into the box, allowing Samuel Kapen to slot home the opening goal, putting Gor Mahia in the driver’s seat.
As the first half neared its end, Gor Mahia continued to press. A perfectly executed corner by Austin Odhiambo was flicked on by Shariff Musa, finding Ronney Onyango, who tapped in the second goal.
The defending champions went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead, leaving Ulinzi Stars struggling to find answers.
Gor Mahia picked up where they left off in the second half, dominating possession and pinning Ulinzi Stars in their own half.
The third breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Austin Odhiambo confidently converted a penalty, securing K’Ogalo’s victory.
The win elevated Gor Mahia to 21 points, just three points shy of league leaders KCB. Ulinzi Stars, however, will need to regroup quickly as their winless run stretches to seven consecutive matches.
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Earlier at the same venue Kenya Police FC extended their winning run to five straight games without defeat against FC Talanta.
A solitary Alvin Mangeni goal in the 69th minute sank Talanta, securing all three points for the Law Enforcers.
How they lined up:
Gor Mahia starting XI: Kevin Omondi (GK), Austine Odhiambo (C), Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Shariff Musa, Gedeon Bendeka, Rodgers Ouma, Lawrence Juma, Samuel Kapen, Levin Joseph, Ronney Onyango.
Subs: Enock Morrison, Samuel Onyango, Boniface Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Chris Akena, Ernest Wendo, Bryson Wangai, Philemon Otieno, Mark Shaban, Caleb Omondi, Musa Masika, Christopher Ochieng.
Ulinzi Stars starting XI: Ricks Omondi (GK), Felix Otieno, Telena Ochieng, Samunya Ammaton, Issa Lumumba, Yakeen Mutheli, Abong'a Bildad, Hillary Simiyu, Okello Emillio, Muchiri Boniface (C), Javan Omondi.
Subs: Emuria Issa, Fredrick Oduor, Shaib Ali, Bernard Tindi, Leshan Mootian, Bikokwa Mark, Enosh Ochieng, Mathews Okumu, Brian Kafero, Edward Odhiambo, Owino Dennis.