Benson Omala Strikes Again
Gor Mahia clinched an essential 1-0 victory against Tusker in a fiercely contested Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Moi International Sports Complex.
This loss intensifies the scrutiny on Tusker’s head coach Robert Matano, as his team has been underperforming in the season’s first seven games. The Ruaraka-based club now finds itself losing ground in the title race, while Gor Mahia soccer club is fortifying its position in the campaign to defend its title.
Benson Omala, the game's lone scorer, increased his season goal tally to seven. The ex-Kisumu Day standout, narrowly missing out on last season’s Golden Boot, continued his excellent form, scoring against Tusker after a previous double against AFC Leopards before the international break.
Omala’s 22nd-minute goal was the match's only score, following an excellent team buildup and a precise final pass. Tusker, despite their dominance since the game's onset, could not convert their opportunities into goals.
Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper, Kevin Omondi, played a crucial role, making a significant save in the 23rd minute to deny Tusker's James Kibande.
An early injury to Emery Bayisenge prompted Gor Mahia’s head coach Johnathan McKinstry to substitute him with Joshua Onyango. Despite their continued efforts and opportunities through Shaphan Siwa and Ibrahim Joshua, Tusker failed to find the back of the net.
McKinstry later brought on Ernest Wendo and Boniface Omondi, substituting Austin Odhiambo and Kevin Simiyu. Tusker persisted in their quest for an equalizer but couldn’t capitalize on their chances, with Eric Zakayo missing a clear opportunity late in the second half.
This win brings Gor Mahia to 15 points, narrowing the gap with leaders Posta Rangers to just one point, especially after Rangers' defeat by Talanta on October 21, marking their first loss of the season.
As Gor Mahia relishes their hard-earned victory, all eyes are on Tusker and whether they will decide to part ways with coach Matano following this defeat to their prominent rivals.
Starting XIs
- Tusker: Brian Bwire, Collins Odhiambo, Boniface Onyango, Mike Kibwage, Eugene Asike, Chrispine Erambo, Michael Oduor, Fabian Adikiny, Ibrahim Joshua, Shaphan Siwa, James Kibande.
- Gor Mahia: Kevin Omondi, Rooney Onyango, Kennedy Onyango, Emery Bayisenge, Kevin Simiyu, Rogers Mugisha, Lawrence Ochieng, Benson Omala, Austine Odhiambo, Patrick Sibomana.