Omalla ends goal drought as Gor Mahia beat City Stars to open 8-point gap

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia bounced back to winning ways in style as they narrowly edged closest rivals Nairobi City Stars 0-1 in a closely contested clash at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

In the top of the top-of-the-table clash, Benson Omalla carried Gor Mahia to the three points as his early strike in the fifth minute was all that the 20-time Kenyan champions needed to end their two-match winless run.

K'Ogalo, who had failed to get a win in their last two matches, started strongly as they made their first attempt inside the opening two minutes. 

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However, Sylvester Owino, who was entrusted with a rare start, showed some signs of rust as he failed to connect cleanly with an Austin Odhiambo inswinging corner kick. 

Their quick start off the blocks would not go fruitless as just three minutes later Benson Omalla, who might not have been at the club had his deal to Algerian side JS Saoura been handled smartly, finished off a perfect team move to give Gor Mahia an early lead. 

It all started with clever interchange from midfield that spread to Shariff Musa down the right who squared a perfect low cross into Omalla who only needed to redirect it into the back of the net as City Stars custodian Elvis Ochoro helplessly remained rooted to the ground. 

The goal ended Omalla's seven-match goalless streak as he raced to the stands to celebrate his goal with the K'Ogalo faithful.

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That was however the only meaningful action in the half as clear-cut chances proved hard to come with Gor holding the slender advantage into the break. 

In the second half, it is City Stars who came out a much-improved side as they took the initiative in trying to restore parity.

Just minutes into the half, Gor almost aided their cause when a mix-up between Owino and Philemon Otieno handed the ball to City Stars but Kevin Omondi pulled two crucial saves to save his side from conceding.

The hosts grew in the game and assumed control of proceedings while Gor struggled to find any answers. While their dominance allowed them to constantly knock on the Gor Mahia doors incessantly, the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side just lacked the clinical edge to put the ball in the back of the net.

Hard as they tried to find a breakthrough in the dying minutes, Gor resolutely thwarted any danger as they grabbed the vital win that took them eight points clear at the top.

ALSO READ: Omalla reveals dreams of playing in the English Premier League

Starting XI

Nairobi City Stars: Elvis Ochoro (GK), Dennis Wanjala (Calvin Masawa 45'), Rowland Makati, Timothy Muganda, Wycliffe Omondi,  Clifford Otieno, Vincent Owino, Yuto Kusaba (Abuyeka Kubasu 45'), Samuel Kapen, Robinson Asenwa, Dennis Oalo

Gor Mahia: Kevin Omondi (GK), Ronney Onyango, Philemon Otieno, Kennedy Onyango (Emery Bayisenge 45'), Sylvester Owino, Lawrence Juma (Sydney Ochieng 89'), Shariff Musa (Boniface Omondi 78')Kevin Juma (Alpha Onyango 70'), Benson Omalla, Austin Odhiambo, Bryson Wangai (Christopher Ochieng 78')

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