Relegation-fighting Talanta stun Gor Mahia to maintain topflight status

For the first time since gaining promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, FC Talanta managed to collect points against Gor Mahia as they recorded a vital 2-4 win over the record Kenyan champions. 

In the Wednesday afternoon clash staged at the Machakos Stadium, the stunning win over K'Ogalo proved to be just what Talanta needed to save their season as the victory saw them open a four-point gap between them and the relegation places, mathematically booking their spot in the topflight next season with only one game remaining. 

The win also brought Gor Mahia's eight-match unbeaten streak to an end as they succumbed to only their third defeat after 31 games.

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It was Alfred Emoni who proved to be the hero of the match as he bagged his maiden hat trick in the top tier to help his side to safety.

"First of all, I am really happy with the teamwork we displayed today because we were not at a good place in the standings and we badly needed to win. It really did not matter who was going to score today but I am just delighted that I am the one who helped the team.

I have never scored a hat trick in the top tier so this is kind of a dream come true for me. I want to thank God because we have now confirmed our place in the league next season," Emoni told SportPesa News.

Talanta, who came into the match desperate for points in their quest for survival, were handed the perfect opportunity just four minutes in when the experienced Ernest Wendo lost his concentration and hit a backpass straight to December Kisaka.

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Kisaka, aware of his surroundings, released a first-time pass to the diminutive Alex Juma, who easily beat Ronney Onyango with some quick feet, but could not do anything meaningful with the ball as his shot failed to even hit the target despite remaining one on one with the goalkeeper. 

The Jackson Gatheru-led side continued playing with the most intent and it was only fair when their efforts, albeit in fortuitous circumstances, bore fruit in the 33rd minute

Alfred Emoni cleverly flicked the ball before an onrushing Kevin Omondi from the Gor goal got it, the ball rolling slowly across the face of goal before deflecting after hitting the upright. 

However, their lead lasted just two minutes as Benson Omalla and Austin Odhiambo combined in the box before the latter rifled into the bottom corner to restore parity in the game. 

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The relegation-fighting Talanta handed Gor Mahia a taste of their own medicine as they retook the lead just two minutes later following a defensive breakdown on a corner kick as they led 1-2 at the break.

At the stroke of the hour mark, Emoni struck again for Talanta as he hit a sweet volley on the turn, catching substitute goalkeeper Gad Mathew, who had replaced Kevin Omondi at the resumption of the  second half, off guard.

He completed his hat trick in the first minute of added time after unleashing a thunderbolt that Gad could only watch as it flew into the back of the net for Talanta's fourth.

Gor were handed a late penalty and Omalla tucked it for his 17th strike of the season but it was too little too late as Talanta celebrated the win that saw them maintain their topflight status.

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