Gor Mahia on Sunday, May 16, beat Nairobi City Stars at the Utalii Grounds in Nairobi with a solitary goal scored by Karim Nikiema in the 31st minute.
This will be an important win for a team that has struggled in the season – and is currently sitting outside top 5 in the Kenya Premier League standing. Gor was also without their Brazilian forward Wilson Silva Fonseca who is yet to jet back from Brazil.
K’Ogalo who were placed seventh on the log with 22 points before the game, have moved their tally to 25 having points having FC played 15 games. Their bitter rivals Tusker FC have played 17 games – 2 more than Gor – and are currently leading the pack with 37 points.
Gor Mahia coach Manuel Vaz Pinto had said before the game that his team would go all out to win the match.
The two teams last met in 2016 – before Nairobi City Stars were relegated from the league after a dismal campaign.
City stars will be drawing consolation from the fact that they managed to keep Gor’s front men quiet most of the game – only conceding a solitary goal.
This was a tough match as City Stars have been a fairly formidable force in the campaign having garnered 20 points – just a few points behind Gor Mahia – although they have played more games than Gor.
K’Ogalo posted inconsistent results before the Covid-19 break in March, but according to their coach Pinto, they will be looking to improve and come out on top.
“Our last game was about two months ago but we are happy to be back. We worked on the physical integrity of the players with apprehension and we go in search of dynamics and with a lot of commitment for victories,” Pinto told the media.
Gor defeated Bidco United 3-1 in their last game before the March break.
Meanwhile, Gor will be weary of league leaders Tusker after their coach Matano said that they were keen to win the league.
“Winning all matches and consistency will be key for Tusker if they want to wrestle the league title from Gor,” Coach Robert Matano said on May 14.