Gor Mahia’s struggles in the FKF Premier League continued as they were held to a goalless draw by a determined Murang’a Seal side on Sunday afternoon at the SportPesa Arena. The stalemate marked yet another disappointing outing for the record Kenyan champions, who have now extended their winless streak, raising concerns among fans and piling pressure on the technical bench.
Murang’a Seal started brightly and immediately showed they meant business. Within the opening five minutes, they crafted a decent chance through a clever short corner routine. Joseph Irungu unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, forcing Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews Otieno into an early save.
Murang’a continued to press and in the 11th minute, Dennis Munyovi found space about 20 yards from goal. His well-taken volley narrowly sailed over the bar, much to the relief of the Gor Mahia defence, which appeared shaky under pressure.
The home side remained on the front foot, showcasing slick movement and quick interchanges. In the 25th minute, Irungu once again tested the Gor Mahia shot-stopper with a fierce strike from outside the area, but Otieno stood firm and made another impressive save to keep the scores level.
Despite Murang’a’s dominance, Gor Mahia offered very little in attack. Their play in the final third was marred by poor decision-making and errant passing. Their first meaningful attempt only came in the 43rd minute when Samuel Kapen tried his luck from 30 yards, but his shot flew over the crossbar.
The first half ended goalless, with Murang’a clearly the more threatening side. The second half mirrored the first, with Gor Mahia struggling to find their rhythm and Murang’a’s defensive discipline keeping them at bay.
Gor Mahia missed a glorious chance just after the hour mark when Ernest Wendo failed to convert from close range, mishitting what looked like a certain goal. Moments later, Christopher Ochieng thought he had finally broken the deadlock after finishing off a neat through ball from Philemon Otieno. However, the assistant referee flagged for offside, and the goal was ruled out.
Ochieng was again denied in the 70th minute, this time by debutant goalkeeper Wilson Mwangi, who dived low to his left to produce a stunning save and keep Murang’a in the game.
A defensive lapse almost proved costly for Gor Mahia in the 72nd minute when a poor clearance from Otieno gifted possession to Victor Haki. With time and space, Haki should have scored, but his shot flew over the bar.
Gor Mahia responded by intensifying their attack. In the 76th minute, Alpha Onyango cut in from the left wing and released a powerful 16-yard effort, but Mwangi came to Murang’a’s rescue again with a brilliant save.
Despite dominating the final stages of the match, Gor Mahia could not find a breakthrough. Murang’a Seal remained organized and compact, frustrating the visitors and ultimately holding on for a valuable point.
As Gor Mahia’s winless run continues, questions are being asked about the team’s attacking efficiency and tactical approach. With pressure mounting from supporters and the league table tightening, the team will need to rediscover their winning touch fast to avoid slipping further behind in the title race.
Line-ups:
Murang’a Seal: Wilson Mwangi (GK), John Kiplangat (C), Joseph Omulama, Michael Owen Pala, Rajab Omar, Robert Mudenyu, Lucas Maina, Ally Yusuf, Dennis Munyovi, Joseph Irungu, Victor Haki
Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews Otieno (GK, C), Patrick Ekandjoum Essombe, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Alphonse Omija, Alpha Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Ernest Wendo, Philemon Otieno, Samuel Kapen, Christopher Ochieng
