Gor Mahia made a bold statement as they kicked off their FKF Premier League title defense by thrashing Mathare United 4-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.
After suffering a recent disappointment in the CAF Champions League, Gor Mahia bounced back in style, showing why they remain the team to beat in Kenyan football.
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The match saw Gor Mahia dominate from start to finish, displaying the kind of attacking flair that has made them a force in the FKF Premier League.
Shariff Musa and Austin Odhiambo were the key architects behind Gor’s early lead, combining to break down Mathare’s defense with precision.
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It was just before halftime when Musa’s pinpoint pass found Odhiambo, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The goal gave Gor a 1-0 lead heading into the break, putting them in control of the match and allowing them to dictate the tempo for the rest of the game.
The second half kicked off with Gor Mahia pressing even harder. It took just three minutes after the restart for them to double their lead.
Shariff Musa, who had been instrumental in creating the first goal, saw his shot deflect off a Mathare defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding its way into the net. The goal marked a deserved reward for Musa’s tireless efforts throughout the match.
At 2-0 up, Gor Mahia never looked back. They continued to push Mathare United deep into their own half, creating more chances and maintaining complete control of the game. The visitors struggled to contain Gor’s relentless attack, leaving them vulnerable to further damage.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Geoffrey Ochieng added a third goal for Gor Mahia. It was a well-executed team move that saw the ball worked through the midfield and into the path of Ochieng, who finished with precision to extend K’Ogalo’s lead to 3-0. At that point, the result was all but secured, but Gor Mahia weren’t finished yet.
In stoppage time, new signing Gideon Bendeka put the icing on the cake, scoring a fourth goal to complete the rout. Bendeka, who joined the club in the offseason, has already made an impact, and his debut goal will have given fans a glimpse of what to expect from him this season.
Gor Mahia’s comprehensive victory over Mathare United was the perfect response to their elimination from the CAF Champions League the previous weekend.
The club had fallen to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, a result that left a bitter taste for fans and players alike. However, their performance against Mathare showed that the team has quickly moved on from that setback and is focused on domestic success.
Coach Leonard Neiva praised his team’s resilience after the match, noting that the players had regrouped quickly and delivered a performance worthy of champions.
With this victory, Gor Mahia have signaled their intent to retain the FKF Premier League title and show that they are still the team to beat in Kenyan football.
One of the key challenges facing Gor Mahia this season is catching up with the rest of the league. While most teams have already played three matches, Gor had been focused on their CAF Champions League campaign, leaving them behind in the domestic standings.
Saturday’s win, however, puts them back on track, and with three points in the bag, they will be eager to build momentum in the coming weeks.
As the FKF Premier League season progresses, Gor Mahia will be looking to make up for lost time and close the gap on their rivals. Their strong squad depth and attacking prowess will be key factors in their quest to reclaim the top spot on the table.
Shariff Musa and Austin Odhiambo: Key Players to Watch
Two standout players in Gor Mahia’s victory over Mathare United were Shariff Musa and Austin Odhiambo.
The pair combined brilliantly for the first goal and were involved in much of Gor Mahia’s attacking play throughout the match.
Musa’s energy and creativity were on full display, while Odhiambo’s composure in front of goal highlighted his value to the team.
Both players are expected to play a crucial role in Gor Mahia’s title defense this season. Their ability to link up with teammates and create goal-scoring opportunities will be vital as the team faces tougher challenges in the FKF Premier League.