Gor Mahia’s patient buildup and tactical precision were rewarded with a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over KCB at Dandora Stadium on Sunday afternoon — a victory that lifted them to third on the FKF Premier League table.
Felix Oluoch’s second-half tap-in, following clever footwork from Ebenezer Adukwah, proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter that tested both teams’ mettle.
For the better part of the opening 45 minutes, the contest unfolded like a chess match. Charles Akonnor’s Gor Mahia were measured in their buildup, probing for space against a disciplined KCB backline marshalled by Clyde Senaji.
Their early pressure almost bore fruit in the 15th minute when a well-floated corner caused panic in the KCB box, only for the host team to clear their lines under pressure.
Soon after, an injury to midfielder Alpha Onyango disrupted Gor’s rhythm. He was stretchered off in the 17th minute, with Fidel Origa slotting in as his replacement.
The hosts nearly took the lead on the half-hour mark through a beautifully orchestrated move. Sylvester Owino’s quick throw found Ebenezer Adukwah, whose ferocious strike rattled the crossbar — a warning sign of what was to come.
“The boys were patient,” Akonnor said afterwards. “We trusted the process, we created spaces, and when the moment came, we punished them. That’s what good football is about.”
The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute, a product of persistence and flair. Ebenezer danced past two KCB defenders on the right flank, his composure inside the box freezing the backline before squaring the ball for Felix Oluoch to slot home with ease. It was the goal Gor had been threatening since the first whistle — and it sent the Dandora crowd into jubilation.
“The build-up to that goal was everything we’ve been working on in training,” Akonnor added. “Movement, precision, and finishing — that’s the Gor Mahia way.”
KCB coach Robert Matano, visibly disappointed but gracious in defeat, admitted his side lost control at a crucial phase. “We had the structure right,” Matano said. “But we switched off after the hour mark. Against a team like Gor Mahia, that lapse is enough to kill you.”
Just as Gor appeared to tighten their grip on the game, captain Austin Odhiambo had the chance to seal the result. In the 80th minute, he was brought down inside the box and stepped up for the resulting penalty. But Odhiambo’s effort flew over the bar — a rare blemish in an otherwise commanding performance.
The miss offered KCB a glimmer of hope, but their response was muted, thwarted repeatedly by the alert Byrne Omondi in goal. “He’s a leader; he takes responsibility,” Akonnor said of Odhiambo’s miss. “Next time, he’ll score. That’s football.”
KCB’s attacking approach lacked sharpness in the final third. Striker Boniface Oluoch worked tirelessly but found little joy against a disciplined and watertight Gor Mahia defence anchored by Michael Kibwage and Sylvester Owino. Matano’s men resorted to hopeful long balls in the closing stages, easily dealt with by Omondi and his defenders.
Gor, in contrast, looked compact and confident — a side rediscovering its identity under Akonnor. By the final whistle, Gor’s control of the midfield and smart game management had earned them not just three points but a statement of intent. The early injury to Alpha Onyango could have derailed Gor’s tempo, but Fidel Origa slotted seamlessly into the middle, adding energy and balance.
Akonnor’s use of substitutions reflected a growing tactical maturity — managing minutes, preserving structure, and ensuring attacking continuity. “It’s about depth,” the coach said. “We’re building a squad where anyone can step up. The season is long, and we need every man ready.”
KCB, meanwhile, struggled to adapt after conceding, their substitutions failing to inject the tempo needed to unsettle Gor’s shape. Across other fixtures, Mara Sugar produced the upset of the weekend, stunning Ulinzi Stars 2-1 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
In Awendo, 10-man Kenya Police FC edged newcomers APS Bomet 1-0, showing resilience after a second-half red card.
At the Kasarani Annexe, Kariobangi Sharks continued their fine form with a 2-1 victory over Mathare United, maintaining their early momentum. These results leave the top half of the table delicately poised, with Gor Mahia, KCB, and Police FC all locked on six points.
As fans celebrated the win, Akonnor remained grounded. “It’s only the beginning,” he reminded reporters. “We’re building chemistry, and results like these help the players believe. But the real work is in maintaining consistency.”
With their next fixture set to test their resolve against Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia’s blend of youth and experience appears to be hitting the right balance. Matano, on the other hand, promised a quick rebound. “We’ve been here before,” he said. “We’ll correct the mistakes and fight back stronger. The league is a marathon, not a sprint.”
