Gor Mahia Make Lightwork of Mathare United at Kasarani Stadium to Continue Winning Momentum

Nairobi- Defending champions Gor Mahia continued their winning momentum in the SportPesa Premier League after dispatching Mathare United 2-0 in a lively encounter at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday afternoon.

Second-half goals from Shariff Musa and Bryson Wangai sealed victory for K’Ogalo, who once again showed their pedigree and composure under pressure to secure back-to-back league wins.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The match began evenly, with both sides creating clear chances in the opening half. Gor Mahia’s Patrice Essombe came closest early on, narrowly steering a low cross wide of the post in the 13th minute after good work from Shariff Musa down the flank.

Essombe rose highest to meet a teasing delivery from the left, but his header sailed just over the bar.

Mathare thought they had taken the lead in the 26th minute when Kevin Ouru finished off a quick counterattack, only for the assistant referee’s flag to go up for offside.

 Eli Asieche and Fidel Otieno also combined well near the half-hour mark, but the latter’s heavy touch saw the chance go begging.

Gor Mahia grew stronger as halftime approached, with Essombe again going close after a mazy run through the Mathare defence, his shot drifting narrowly wide in the 42nd minute.

The deadlock was finally broken three minutes into the second half when Shariff Musa finished off a flowing move to hand the visitors the lead in the 48th minute. 

The goal lifted Gor’s tempo and forced Mathare to chase the game, but goalkeeper Brian Ouru kept the hosts alive with a crucial save in the 57th minute to deny Felix Oluoch from close range.

Mathare’s hopes of a comeback were further dented when substitute Derrick Anami was forced off through injury just minutes after coming on, prompting another tactical reshuffle from the hosts. 

Paul Kinyanjui and Musa Masika were introduced to inject fresh energy, with the latter testing Gor keeper Byrne Omondi from range in the 83rd minute — forcing a fingertip save and a corner.

Mathare kept pressing and nearly equalised late on when Okoth’s glancing header looked destined for the top corner, but Omondi produced another outstanding save to preserve the lead.

Gor Mahia then killed off the contest in stoppage time when Bryson Wangai capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0, ensuring the visitors left Kasarani with maximum points and another clean sheet.

The result sees Gor Mahia maintain their impressive start to the season, while Mathare United were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that cost them dearly.

Elsewhere at the Kasarani Annex, Posta Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw by Murang’a Seal. Caleb Oliilo and Faustine Odhjiambo gave Posta a first-half lead before Lucas Maina and Joe Waithira struck in the second half to rescue a point for the visitors.