The win sees K’Ogalo maintain their fourth position with 27 points, six shy of league leaders with a game in hand
Gor Mahia returned to winning ways in the FKF Premier League, defeating Sofapaka 2-0 in a rescheduled match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This much-needed victory allowed the 21-time league champions to maintain their fourth position in the table with 27 points, six points behind leaders Kenya Police and Tusker, but with a game in hand.
First-Half Brilliance by Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng
The match began with Sofapaka taking the initiative, showing intent with aggressive attacking moves orchestrated by Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi. The Dandora-born winger was a constant threat to the Gor Mahia defense, and in the eighth minute, he seemed to have earned his team a penalty after being brought down in the box. However, the referee waved play on, leaving Sofapaka frustrated.
In the 14th minute, Sofapaka’s Baron Ochieng earned a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Bryson Wangai, a decision that reflected the game’s physical intensity. Gor Mahia capitalized on their first real chance in the 16th minute when vice-captain Geoffrey Ochieng scored a well-taken goal, putting K’Ogalo ahead. Despite Sofapaka’s relentless efforts to equalize, Gor Mahia’s defense held firm, and they went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
Second-Half Tactical Adjustments
Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana made crucial substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on goalkeeper Erick Ouma and Benjamin Mosha to replace Brandon Obiero and Lloyd Khavuchi. The changes added urgency to Sofapaka’s attack, but Gor Mahia’s defense, marshaled by Joshua Onyango, remained resolute.
Gor Mahia’s compact midfield forced Sofapaka to utilize wide areas and long balls, but the defending champions dealt with the aerial threats effectively. Sofapaka’s offensive pressure failed to yield results, as K’Ogalo maintained their defensive discipline.
Bingwa mtetezi @gormahiafcke ameondoka na point 3 muhimu dhidi ya Batoto ba Mungu @FC_Sofapaka uwanjani machakos @Officialfkfpl @CharlesOnyango @Momanyielijah01 @iamalisalim @Zani_Mohaa #FootballKE #AzamTvBuradaniKwaWote #AzamSportsKE pic.twitter.com/nikGuwFwjM
— Azam Sports KE (@azam_Sports_ke) January 22, 2025
In the 70th minute, Gor Mahia sealed their victory with a counterattacking masterclass. Substitute Shariff Musa capitalized on a well-executed break to score the second goal, giving Gor Mahia a comfortable cushion. Despite Sofapaka’s continued efforts to get back into the game, Gor Mahia managed the remainder of the match professionally, ensuring the scoreline remained 2-0.
Key Performances
- Geoffrey Ochieng: The vice-captain’s early goal set the tone for Gor Mahia’s performance and showcased his ability to lead by example in crucial moments.
- Joshua Onyango: The defensive stalwart was instrumental in nullifying Sofapaka’s aerial and wide threats, ensuring a clean sheet for his side.
- Edward Omondi: Despite being on the losing side, the Sofapaka winger was a standout performer, consistently challenging Gor Mahia’s backline.
Impact on the League Standings
The victory allowed Gor Mahia to keep pace with the league leaders, Kenya Police and Tusker, who are tied at 33 points. With a game in hand, K’Ogalo remains firmly in the title race. Meanwhile, Sofapaka, despite their commendable performance, slipped to sixth position with 24 points, highlighting the competitive nature of this season’s FKF Premier League
#FKFPremierLeague Standings pic.twitter.com/giuQMNvkjI
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) January 22, 2025
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the game, Gor Mahia’s coach praised his team for their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. “It was a tough match, but the players showed great composure and executed our game plan effectively. There’s still a lot of work to do, but this win gives us confidence moving forward,” he said.
Sofapaka’s coach, Ezekiel Akwana, expressed disappointment at the result but commended his team’s effort. “We created chances but couldn’t convert them. Gor Mahia is a strong side, and they punished us for our mistakes. We need to work on our finishing and regroup for the next match,” Akwana noted.
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Looking Ahead
Gor Mahia will aim to build on this victory as they prepare for their next match, while Sofapaka will look to bounce back when they host Nairobi City Stars on Saturday. With the league heating up, every point counts, and both teams will need to stay focused as the season progresses.
Match Summary
| Team | Goals | Key Scorers | Position in Table |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gor Mahia | 2 | Geoffrey Ochieng, Shariff Musa | 4th (27 points, 1 game in hand) |
| Sofapaka | 0 | – | 6th (24 points) |
Starting Lineups
Gor Mahia XI: Kevin Omondi, Philemon Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, Joshua Onyango, Erick Morrison, Lawrence Juma, Rodgers Ouma, Bryson Wangai, Samwel Kapen, Gedeon Bandeka.
Sofapaka XI: Brandon Obiero, Baron Ochieng, John Otieno, Jack Ong’anya, Victor Okello, Humphrey Mieno, Donato Okello, Vinedine Ambesa, Eric Mwanzi, Edward Omondi, Lloyd Khavuchi.
With the title race intensifying, Gor Mahia’s victory serves as a reminder of their championship pedigree, while Sofapaka must regroup quickly to stay competitive in the league
