Gor Mahia show who the real 'sirkal' is with derby win over Kenya Police

© Gor Mahia.

FKFPL Gor Mahia show who the real 'sirkal' is with derby win over Kenya Police

Mark Kinyanjui 17:10 - 22.04.2023

Gor Mahia hold off Police's second half pressure to win 1-0

In a game marred by a series of comical player slips that prevented rhythm, Gor Mahia edged Kenya Police FC 1-0 thanks to an Austin Odhiambo goal in a league match played at the Kasarani Stadium.

The first real chance came in the 27th minute when Dennis Ng'ang'a's well-executed freekick was well saved by Job Ochieng'.

Police had a chance to take the lead twice in quick succession. First was in the 32nd minute, when Elvis Rupia, back in the starting eleven for the first time in a while, forced a turnover in possession from a sloppy Gor Mahia build-up, but the resulting move only birthed in a corner.

The second would come two minutes later, when Rupia forced another turnover, but the move could not result in a shot on target again. Geoffrey Ochieng's yellow card foul on Marvin Nabwire of Police just before the break epitomized the lack of rhythm just before the break.

Sirkal would finally break the deadlock in the 54th minute when Austin Odhiambo got on the end of a nicely worked move after Ng'ang'a's free kick was squared to the former AFC Leopards midfielder's path by Benson Omala. 

Police would get the chance to level the score just three minutes later but Duke Abuya's free-kick was well saved by Gor custodian, Gad Mathews.

Abuya had a chance to get on the scoresheet in the 65th minute but his strike sailed way over the bar.

Gor Mahia held on to their nerve, with head coach Johnathan McKinstry opting to shut shop by subbing on Sydney Wahongo to try and hold on to their lead.

Abuya continued to sniff for chances yet again and in the 75th minute, he forced yet another brilliant save from Mathews.

Gor would be dealt a huge blow when Wahongo had to come off with injury, forcing him to sub on John Ochieng in the 84th minute.

However, Gor were still able to hold off the nerve, winning one-nil to put them back top of the league on 57 points.