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Defending champions Tusker and KCB drop points.
Gor Mahia’s hopes of winning the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title were boosted by a 1-0 win over Bidco United at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
A Benson Omala’s goal in the first half ensured the 19-time league champions took home three points to remain at the top of the table.
The win is also vital for Johnathan McKinstry’s side after a previous 2-1 loss against Mathare United and a 2-2 draw against Nzoia Sugar in their last matches appeared to knock the wind out of their sails.
Meanwhile, as expected, Gor Mahia had much of the ball for the opening 15 minutes as Bidco struggled to contain the league heavyweights.
K’Ogalo’s resilience paid off in the 16th minute when they grabbed the lead courtesy of a goal from Omala. This is the 19th goal of the striker, who is turning out to be enjoying himself and proving to be a dependable goal scorer.
Bidco were not dispirited by Omala’s goal and kept fighting. In the 26th minute, they came close to grabbing an equalizer, but Erick Gichimu’s header was cleared off the line by Gad Mathews in Gor Mahia’s goal.
In a bid to have a sharper frontline, Bidco coach Ezekiel Akhulia made a change in the 46th minute as he brought on experienced Ezekiel Okare in place of David Orem.
The change gave the Thika-based club much more stability and made them look more threatening in the final third than before.
Akhulia made more changes in the 67th minute when Zacharia Gathu and Brian Nyakan came on to replace Benson Iregi and Alex Keke.
Gichimu, who found it hard to find a way past K’Ogalo’s backline, was substituted in the 82nd minute when Akhulia made a tactical change and introduced defender Geoffrey Kariuki.
At Ruaraka Sports Ground, Tusker fought back to register a 1-1 draw against Talanta.
The Brewers will blame themselves for failing to capitalize on their opening chances. The reigning league champions conceded in the 26th minute when Alvin Ochieng found the back of the net.
The home side would have added the second goal two minutes later, but Kevin Monyi saved Tusker when he made a brilliant goalline clearance.
Tusker’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire was called to swift action to make a save in the 52nd minute when Talanta attacked from the left flank.
To contain Talanta, Coach Robert Matano made three changes at once: Jackson Macharia, Eric Otieno, and Erick Mmata were withdrawn, and Erick Zakayo, Shaphan Oyugi, and Deogratius Ojok were thrown into action in the 65th minute.
Another change followed almost immediately, with Rodgers Ouma taking David Odoyo’s place.
The changes had an impact, and the Brewers equalized in the 85th minute. Charles Momanyi rose superbly to meet Ouma’s corner, and the former Gor Mahia defender nodded home the equalizer.
Results of other matches
Kakamega Homeboyz 0-1 Police FC
Bandari 1-0 Nzoia Sugar
AFC Leopards 0-1 Mathare United
Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 KCB
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