Gor Mahia moved closer to the top of the FKF Premier League table after defeating KCB 1-0 at Machakos Stadium, thanks to a first-half free kick from Austine Odhiambo.
KCB nearly took the lead as early as the fourth minute when Francis Kahiro found himself unmarked in the box, but he wasted the opportunity by heading over the bar.
Shortly after that miss, Gor Mahia was forced into an early substitution due to a collision between defender Ken Onyango and goalkeeper Gad Mathews. Onyango received lengthy medical attention before being replaced by Geoffrey Ochieng.
Gor Mahia had a chance to break the deadlock in the 20th minute, but Samuel Onyango failed to convert a golden opportunity inside the area.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, and tackles flew in from both sides, with the referee opting to keep his cards in his pocket, issuing only verbal warnings despite the increasing intensity.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Gor Mahia capitalized on KCB’s persistent fouls. Austine Odhiambo’s free kick, with the help of Joshua Onyango’s dummy, found its way past goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa, making the score 1-0.
Samuel Onyango had another chance to double Gor Mahia’s lead, but Munyasa made a brilliant save to deny the veteran forward.
Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper, Gad Mathews, was tested in the 61st and 63rd minutes, making crucial saves to thwart Kahiro from close range and James Kinyanjui from a free kick as KCB pushed hard for an equalizer.
Both teams had a few more chances in the closing stages, but Gor Mahia held firm to secure all three points.
This victory brings Gor Mahia’s total to 46 points, just three behind league leaders Kenya Police, with a game in hand.
Next, both teams will shift their focus to the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 16 this coming Saturday. KCB will face Nairobi United in Dandora, while Gor Mahia will travel to Mombasa to take on Bandari FC.
