Zico’s tactical reshuffle ended Gor Mahia’s three-match winless streak as they thrashed Ulinzi Stars 3-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Wednesday December 18.
Samuel Kapen and Rooney Onyango scored in the first half, while captain Austin Odhiambo sealed the win with a penalty in the second half.
The victory marked Gor Mahia’s sixth win of the season, lifting them from eighth to fifth place with 21 points.
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Ulinzi Stars, managed by Dastun Nyaudo, suffered their seventh consecutive match without a win, remaining in 17th place with 13 points.
Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno made several changes to the squad that lost 1-0 to Police FC over the weekend.
Sharrif Musa, Gedeon Bendeka, Rodgers Ouma, Lawrence Juma, and Samuel Kapen were brought in for Philemon Otieno, Alpha Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Musa Masika, and Christopher Ochieng, providing fresh legs to secure the crucial three points.
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In the opening minute of the match, Gedeon Bendeka came close to scoring the first goal for the hosts, but Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper Ricks Omondi was alert and kept his side in the game with a crucial save.
In the 13th minute, Ulinzi’s captain, Boniface Muchiri, delivered a free kick that nearly led to a goal from Telena Ochieng, but the ball sailed just wide, leaving the game locked in a cagey battle.
A few minutes later, in the 19th minute, Joshua Onyango’s header from Samuel Kapen’s throw-in hit the woodwork. This was reminiscent of a similar chance against Shabana, but Ulinzi’s goalkeeper, aided by the post, managed to avert disaster for the KDF side.
In the 22nd minute, Samuel Kapen broke the deadlock for Gor Mahia, giving the hosts the lead. A brilliant assist from Levin Joseph on the left wing found Kapen in the box, and he made no mistake in converting the opportunity.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Rooney Onyango proved once again why he’s vital to the top-flight champions. A well-delivered corner by Austin Onyango was met by Shariff Musa, who made a smart back-pass for the running winger to finish neatly, sending Gor Mahia into a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw little change, though Gor Mahia coach Zico made a substitution in the 51st minute, bringing on Sylvester Owino for Joshua Onyango.
In the 65th minute, Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty after Abong’a Bildad pulled Shariff Musa’s arm as the ball was approaching. Austin Odhiambo stepped up to take the spot-kick and converted it, making it 3-0 for the hosts.
Ulinzi Stars struggled to capitalize on their limited chances throughout the match. Despite a few attempts, they were unable to find the back of the net, while Gor Mahia held firm to claim all three points.
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Looking ahead, Ulinzi Stars will aim to end the year on a high note when they host Nairobi City Stars on Sunday, December 22.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s coach Zedekiah Otieno, who may be on his final match as the interim head coach, will look to secure a positive finish when they host Kariobangi Sharks at the Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday, December 21.
Elsewhere, Etienne Ndagiriye led Kenya Police FC to their fifth consecutive win, narrowly defeating FC Talanta 1-0 at the same venue in the afternoon.
A second-half strike from Alvin Mangeni was enough to secure the three points, moving Police FC up to third place with 23 points—just one point behind leaders KCB and second-placed Tusker FC, both with 24 points.
Meanwhile, Jackline Juma’s Talanta FC suffered their sixth defeat of the season, dropping to 15th place with 14 points.
Next up, Police FC will close out the year with a visit to Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday, December 21, while Talanta FC will host Murang’a SEAL on Sunday, December 22.
