K'OGALO MATCH ON

Gor Mahia thump Murang'a Seal to inch closer to KPL title defence

In Summary

The victory pushed the team closer to Kenya Premier League title with only six matches remaining in the season.

Gor's head coach Johnathan McKinstry said his team controlled about 70 percent of the game.

A Gor Mahia player striking a penalty that gave the team a 2-1 lead in the 75th minute.
A Gor Mahia player striking a penalty that gave the team a 2-1 lead in the 75th minute.
Image: Alice Waithera

Gor Mahia beat Murang'a Seal 3-1 to open a 12-point gap atop the Kenyan Premier League standings as title defence looks imminent.

in a match played at SportPesa Stadium in Murang'a county.

The victory pushed the team closer to Kenya Premier League title with only six matches remaining in the season.

In a match played at St Sebastian Park, Murang'a County, Gor Mahia took an early lead through Austin Odhiambo's 13th minute strike. John Kiplagat pulled Seal level just before the break.

Gor, however, restored their lead through Benson Omala's strike from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

 Omala was at it again in time added on as devastated Seal fans walked out of the stadium in disappointment.

Gor's head coach Johnathan McKinstry said his team started the game well and was in control for the first 30 minutes but faced an aggressive host with the score at 1-1.

"We knew we had lost a bit of control in midfield but we controlled it better in the second half," said McKinstry.

"I'd say probably 70 percent of the game was for us so we're pleased with the result and what it means for the table." 

McKinstry praised his young goalkeeper, Caleb Omondi for making his selection count.

He said Omondi, 20, has a bright career ahead of him. Though many teams are hesitant of playing young goal keepers, McKinstey said he picked him since he knows his talent and quality.

Omondi was deputising Kevin Omondi, who saw red in last month's Mashemeji derby against Leopards, which Gor won 1-0.

"That doesn't mean we can relax but today was good for him. He made some good saves. He saved one free kick and even towards the end, he managed the game well,"  said the Northern Irishman.

 Seal head coach Juma Abdalla was satisfied with his team's performance. 

The players, he said, just lost concentration after their opponents scored from the spot.

"But am happy with my players. They played a good game. We only need to work on a few things before the next game, against Tusker,"said Abdallah.

Gor Mahia play Shabana next week with McKinstry expecting a tough match from a team fighting to keep their KPL status.