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Gor Mahia came into the match on high momentum with back-to-back wins from their previous matches.
Defending champions Gor Mahia survived a spirited late surge from FC Talanta to claim a 3-2 victory in a thrilling midweek clash at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday.
Gor Mahia, led by interim coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, set the tone early with a commanding start. Zico made two changes to his lineup, handing starts to Samuel Kapen and Rodgers Ouma, while FC Talanta’s Alex Kipruto was the sole change in their starting XI.
First Half
The champions quickly imposed their dominance, displaying fluid passing and relentless pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when Sylvester Owino capitalised on a rebound following a precise free-kick delivery from Austin Odhiambo.
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Moments later, Levin Odhiambo nearly doubled Gor’s lead with a well-placed shot, forcing Talanta goalkeeper Robert Ouma into a fine save. However, against the run of play, Talanta equalised in the 22nd minute through Emmanuel Osoro, stunning the defending champions.
Unshaken by the setback, Gor Mahia regained control. Free-scoring midfielder Austin Odhiambo, instrumental in the first goal, added his name to the scoresheet in the 33rd minute with a sensational curved shot past Ouma.
Just before the halftime whistle, Christopher Ochieng extended Gor’s lead, pouncing on a well-worked team move to give the champions a comfortable 3-1 cushion at the break.
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Second Half
FC Talanta made key changes at halftime, introducing Clinton Machaka and Erick Otieno, and their renewed energy threatened to turn the game on its head. Machaka’s pace and skill unsettled Gor’s defence, creating several opportunities, including a one-on-one chance denied by Gor goalkeeper Gad Mathews.
Gor Mahia responded with substitutions of their own, bringing on Alpha Onyango and Bryson Wangai to steady the ship. However, Talanta’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Erick Otieno won a penalty after a dazzling solo run. Captain Bernard Odhiambo coolly converted from the spot, cutting Gor’s lead to 3-2.
The final stages of the match saw both teams push for the decisive goal, with Talanta’s relentless pressure keeping Gor on edge. However, the defending champions held firm, repelling Talanta’s advances to secure a hard-fought victory.
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The win steadies Gor Mahia’s credentials as they continue their title defence, while FC Talanta will have to regroup.
How they lined up:
FC Talanta starting XI: Ouma Robert (GK), Owino Kevin, Njammah Peter, Shiveka Geoffrey, Odhiambo Bernard (C), Abiola Peter, Jairo Michael, Momanyi Enock, Kipruto Alex, Kisakah December, Osoro Emmanuel.
Subs: Oduor Mustapha, Akhonya Kevin, Kuta Augustine, Otieno Erick, Omondi Ian, Luganji Alex, Fuchaka Cyprian, Kholi Derrick, Machaka Clinton.
Gor Mahia starting XI: Otieno Gad Mathews (GK), Onyango Ronney, Odhiambo Joseph Levin, Omija Alphonse, Owino Sylvester, Enock Morrison, Kapen Samuel, Ouma Rodgers, Ochieng Christopher, Austin Odhiambo (C), Musa Shariff.
Subs: Omondi Kevin, Paul Ochuoga, Ochieng Geoffrey, Onyango Kenedy, Onyango Joshua, Wendo Ernest, Onyango Alpha, Musa Masika, Wangai Bryson, Shaban Mark, Omondi Boniface, Bendeka Gedeon.
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