New Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa ‘Micah’ Mihic got the perfect start to his tenure as he saw his side come from behind to register a 1-2 win over Mathare United at the Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pegged back by an early Elli Asieche strike in the 15th minute, goals from Alphonce Omija and Ghanain Enock Morrison helped Gor complete the turnaround in the Croat’s first game in charge.
Gor thought they had taken the lead inside the opening ten minutes when DR Congo import Gedeon Bendeka found the bottom of the corner with a neat finish after a defense-splitting pass from Morrison only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Minutes later, Mathare who had resorted to soaking pressure and hitting on the counter, broke the deadlock against the run of play when Asieche headed past Kevin Omondi in the Gor goal from a pinpoint cross down the right.
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Hit by the setback, Gor pushed forward and Bendeka had three clear chances to at least restore parity if not give Gor the lead, but the forward could not just find his shooting boots.
The third attempt was of particular surprise, as he had the ball right in front of goal but he could not convert.
Shariff Musa did all the hard work in drawing defenders before squaring the ball to him with in front of an open net only for him to shoot wide.
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As the hour mark approached, both sides made changes with Gor turning to Paul Ochuoga, Samuel Kapen and New Ugandan signing Charles Bbale in place of Philemon Otieno, Samuel Onyango and Bendeka respectively.
Just nine minutes later, Bbale had a chance to endear himself to the K’Ogalo faithful after being put through on a goal by Morrison but the Ugandan, albeit on his weaker foot, just shot straight on goal in a chance he should have done better.
Gor still kept their foot on the gas and their efforts finally got some breakthrough in the 76th minute when Morrison converted from the spot to give his side the lead.
The penalty came about after Daniel Odhiambo made an unnecessary foul in bringing Kapen inside the area after being beaten with some quick feet and pace.
Despite some kicks of a dying horse from Mathare, that strike proved to be the match winner as Gor got the three points as the race for the title heats up.
Starting XI
Mathare United: Robert Mboya (GK), Sammy Imbuye, Erickson Mulu, Ian Omondi, Daniel Odhiambo, Cetric Asango, Peter Oudu (Derrick Anami 56′), Brian Ouru, Mohamed Kilume, Donald Ange (Meshack Ochieng 56′), Elli Asieche
Gor Mahia: Kevin Omondi (GK), Philemon Otieno (Paul Ochuoga 60′), Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Lawrence Juma, Shariff Musa, Alpha Onyango, Gedeon Bendeka (Charles Bbale), Enock Morrison, Samuel Onyango (Samuel Kapen 60′)
What does win mean for Gor Mahia?
The result sees Gor maintain third place on the log but they have cut reduced the deficit to leaders Police and Tusker to just four points with a game in hand.
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