Gor Mahia secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Mathare United in an intense FKF Premier League clash at the Dandora Stadium, marking Sinisa Mihic’s first match in charge. The defending champions came from behind to snatch all three points in a thrilling encounter that showcased both teams’ resilience.
Mathare United, playing on home turf, started with intent and applied early pressure on the Gor Mahia defense. Their efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute when captain Elli Asieche rose to head home a well-delivered cross, breaking the deadlock and sending the home fans into a frenzy. The Slum Boys looked determined to extend their lead, but Gor Mahia’s defense, marshalled by veteran Philemon Otieno, held firm to keep the game within reach.
Gor Mahia, under new coach Mihic, responded well to the early setback. They grew into the game and began to find more rhythm as the first half progressed. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when defender Alphonce Omija found the back of the net, continuing his fine goal-scoring form. Omija’s equalizer ensured that both teams went into the halftime break at 1-1, with everything to play for in the second half.
The second half saw Gor Mahia come out firing, eager to build on the momentum gained from their equalizer. Mathare United, not to be outdone, made a tactical change by bringing on Meshack Ochieno and Derrick Anami in place of Donald Ange and Peter Oudu. These changes were aimed at bolstering their attack, but Gor Mahia’s defense, bolstered by the experienced Otieno and the solid goalkeeper Kevin Omondi, stood firm.
Mihic, too, made his own adjustments on the hour mark. He introduced fresh legs in the form of Paul Ochuoga, Ugandan debutant Bbaale Charles, and Samuel Kapen, who replaced Philemon Otieno, Gedeon Bendeka, and Samuel Onyango. The substitutions proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the match.
Bbaale, in particular, nearly had an immediate impact in the 72nd minute with a stunning strike, but Mathare goalkeeper Robert Mboya made a brilliant save to keep the score level. Despite Mathare’s resilience, their defense eventually cracked in the 76th minute when Samuel Kapen was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Enock Morrison stepped up to take the penalty. The Ghanaian midfielder kept his cool and confidently slotted the ball past Mboya, handing Gor Mahia a 2-1 lead.
Morrison’s penalty proved to be the match-winner, as Gor Mahia held firm in the final stages of the game. Despite a late surge from Mathare United, Gor Mahia’s defense remained resolute, and the visitors secured all three points, much to the delight of their coach and traveling supporters. The victory was an important one for Gor Mahia as they maintained their third-place standing in the league with 34 points, keeping their title chase very much alive.
For Mathare United, the loss was a bitter disappointment as they had shown plenty of promise during the game. They will no doubt look back at missed opportunities and rue the defensive lapses that allowed Gor Mahia to capitalize. Nevertheless, the team will have to quickly regroup and focus on their upcoming matches as they aim to bounce back from this setback.
Gor Mahia’s win was a testament to their character and the impact of Mihic’s tactical decisions. The substitutions, which brought fresh energy into the squad, played a crucial role in turning the tide of the match. The performance also highlighted the importance of key players such as Omija, who continued his fine goal-scoring form, and Morrison, whose calm penalty proved to be the difference.
As Mihic embarks on his tenure as Gor Mahia’s head coach, this victory will undoubtedly boost his confidence and that of the players. The team’s performance under his guidance suggests that they are well-positioned to continue their push for the league title. For Mathare United, while they fought hard, they will need to sharpen their finishing and defensive organization if they are to challenge the top teams in the league.
With the season progressing, both teams will be looking to build on this game, making it clear that every match in the FKF Premier League will be a battle to the very end.
