Gor Mahia Captain Alpha Onyango scored the only goal as Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bandari FC to maintain their perfect start to the season. Kogalo have now won all 3 of their matches played.
Gor Mahia looked set to endure yet another long and frustrating afternoon until the captain delivered the points with a pin-point free kick that Bandari Goalkeeper Joseph Okoth could not keep out.
It was a dour contest in the first half with fans frustrated at the cautious approach from both sides as neither goalkeeper was called into significant action across the first 45 minutes.
The second half begun in much similar fashion with Gor attempting to stretch Bandari’s disciplined backline using their wide players with Musa Shariff working the wings to try and draw Bandari’s central players out of position.
Ghanaian tactician Charles Okannor will be delighted at the patient tactical approach his players adopted on their way to a third consecutive victory to open the new campaign. He will know it would have been all different had it not been for the brilliance of captain Onyango who has now found the net in 3 consecutive matches to open the campaign.
Shortly after going ahead, Enock Machaka missed a glorious chance to put the result beyond doubt after he failed to convert into an empty net following a mix up in the Bandari defense that left the keeper in no man’s land.
Despite their scintillating start to the season, Gor struggled to create clear cut chances as Bandari held firm and threatened with attacks of their own.
Bandari’s unconventional 3-2-3-2 formation in possession at times troubled Gor and easily opened their backline up. They could have not turn the approach into results as they ultimately fell short of a long-awaited win against the champions.
In the day’s other match, Ulinzi Stars player out to a goalless draw against Mara Sugar.
Mara Sugar remain unbeaten and stay second in the table pending Sunday’s results. Gor Mahia retain first place and look set to continue their dominance for the first half of the season.
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