Gor Mahia overcame Mathare United in Sinisa Mihic’s first match in charge at the Dandora Stadium.
Gor Mahia secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Mathare United in an intense FKF Premier League clash, coming from behind to snatch all three points, at the Dandora Stadium on Saturday.
Mathare United, the home team, opted for Robert Mboya in goal, while captain Elli Asieche led the side from the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s newly appointed head coach, Sinisa Mihic, placed his trust in Kevin Omondi between the sticks.
Veteran defender Philemon Otieno marshalled the backline while wearing the captain’s armband, as Gedeon Bendeka spearheaded the attacking front.
The Slum Boys came out with intent, applying early pressure in search of an opening goal.
Their efforts bore fruit in the 16th minute when captain Elli Asieche rose to the occasion, breaking the deadlock and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Mathare managed to hold onto their lead until the 35th minute when Gor Mahia finally found an equalizer.
Defender Alphonce Omija, continuing his fine goal-scoring form, netted for the second consecutive match to bring the defending champions level.
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Gor Mahia has released several players in a massive overhaul of the squad.
The teams went into the halftime break at 1-1, with everything to play for in the second half.
Second half
The second half saw Gor Mahia come out firing, eager to build on their momentum.
Mathare responded with tactical changes, bringing on Meshack Ochieno and Derrick Anami for Donald Ange and Peter Oudu.
Mihic made his own adjustments on the hour mark, introducing Paul Ochuoga, Ugandan debutant Bbaale Charles, and Samuel Kapen for Philemon Otieno, Gedeon Bendeka, and Samuel Onyango. The substitutions proved decisive.
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Gor Mahia’s move for Ugandan striker Charles Bbaale has been questioned by former official Sally Bolo.
In the 72nd minute, Bbaale nearly made an immediate impact with a stunning strike, but Mboya was equal to the task, keeping the scores level.
However, Mathare’s resilience finally cracked in the 76th minute when substitute Samuel Kapen was brought down inside the penalty area.
Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison stepped up with composure and converted the spot-kick, handing Gor Mahia a 2-1 lead.
His successful penalty ultimately proved to be the difference, as Gor Mahia held firm to claim a hard-fought win.
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Gor Mahia leadership has urged fans to focus on Sinisa Mihic’s performance in charge of the team rather than the recruitment process.
The victory helps Gor Mahia maintain their stay in third place on the table with 34 points, strengthening their pursuit of the league title.
Meanwhile, Mathare United will be left ruing missed opportunities as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.
How they lined up:
Mathare United starting XI: Robert Mboya (GK), Elli Asieche (C), Daniel Odhiambo, Donald Paterne, Brian Ouru, Mohammed Kilume, Cetric Asango, Erickson Mulu, Sammy Imbuye, Ian Omondi, Petere Oudu.
Subs: Steven Njunge, Fidel Otieno, Hakimu Msami, John Nyawir, Meshack Ochieng, Michael Wanyika, Starlon Odhiambo, Derick Anami, Paul Mutegi.
Gor Mahia starting XI: Kevin Omondi (GK), Philemon Otieno, Geofrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Enock Morrison, Shariff Musa, Alpha Onyango, Samuel Onyango, Gedeon Bendeka, Lawrence Ochieng.
Subs: Boniface Omondi, Kenedy Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Charles Bbaale, Ernest Wendo, Mark Shaban Caleb Omondi, Samuel Kapen, Christopher Ochieng, Paul Ochuoga,
