Gor Mahia continued their fine form in the SportPesa Premier League after defeating Mathare United 2-0 in an entertaining clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday afternoon.
The defending champions displayed their trademark composure and quality to make it four wins in a row, with second-half goals from Shariff Musa and Bryson Wangai sealing all three points.
The match started on a balanced note, with both sides showing attacking intent in the early stages. Gor Mahia’s Patrice Essombe came close in the 13th minute, steering a low cross narrowly wide after a fine run by Shariff Musa. Minutes later, Essombe rose highest to meet another delivery from the left but his header flew just over the bar.
Mathare United thought they had taken the lead in the 26th minute when Kevin Ouru slotted home after a swift counterattack, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the goal out for offside. Eli Asieche and Fidel Otieno also combined neatly near the half-hour mark, but Otieno’s heavy first touch squandered a promising opportunity.
As halftime approached, Gor Mahia increased the pressure, with Essombe again going close after weaving through the Mathare defence. His shot, however, drifted just wide in the 42nd minute.
Three minutes after the restart, Gor Mahia broke the deadlock. Shariff Musa finished off a flowing move to put his side ahead in the 48th minute. The goal energized K’Ogalo, who pushed forward in search of a second. Mathare keeper Brian Ouru produced a fine save in the 57th minute to deny Felix Oluoch from close range, keeping the hosts in contention.
Mathare’s hopes took another blow when substitute Derrick Anami limped off with an injury shortly after coming on, forcing a tactical reshuffle. Paul Kinyanjui and Musa Masika were brought in to add creativity, with Masika testing Gor goalkeeper Byrne Omondi from distance in the 83rd minute — but Omondi tipped it over brilliantly.
In stoppage time, Bryson Wangai punished a defensive lapse to double Gor’s advantage and secure the win. The result sees Gor Mahia maintain their unbeaten run, while Mathare United were left ruing missed chances and defensive errors.
Elsewhere, Posta Rangers squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Murang’a Seal at Kasarani Annex, with Caleb Oliilo and Faustine Odhjiambo scoring for Posta before Lucas Maina and Joe Waithira equalised for the visitors.
