Austin Odhiambo netted a brace to lead Gor Mahia to a comeback, securing a 1-3 victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday evening at the Dandora Stadium in the rescheduled Match Week 22 of the FKF 24/25 Premier League.
Fortune Omoto was the first to break the deadlock for the Sharks. However, Alpha Onyango quickly responded with an equalizer before the end of the first half.
Undeterred, 23/24 MVP Austin Odhiambo doubled K’Ogalo’s lead with a magnificent free-kick and later converted from the penalty spot, adding his eighth goal of the season.
This win allowed the reigning champions to close the gap with league leaders Kenya Police (42 points), reducing their deficit to three points, and they are now just two points behind second-placed Tusker (41 points).
In addition, Gor also has a game in hand.
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On the other hand, William Muluya’s side, who are only two points clear of the bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars, continues to struggle.
Their winless streak has now extended to 11 matches.
In Dandora, just two minutes into the game, Gor Mahia made an early error in defense when Joshua Onyango slid and missed the ball, allowing it to fall to Ally Salum’s feet.
However, Salum’s shot was off-target and failed to trouble Gor’s goal.
Gad Mathews made a crucial save to protect his goal, keeping the team’s 13th clean sheet intact after Stephen Biko’s powerful shot was too much for him to handle but was punched out for a corner, denying the hosts a chance to take the lead.
Gor Mahia had their opportunity shortly after when Austin Odhiambo executed a well-placed free-kick, but Joshua Onyango’s finishing touch sent the ball over the bar.
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Moments later, Christopher Onyango took a shot that Sebastian Wekesa made a vital save to prevent, denying the visitors a chance to go ahead.
The game remained tight until the 26th minute, when Fortune Omoto broke the deadlock for the Sharks. A brilliant cross from Biron Otieno found Omoto, who calmly finished with his first touch.
Another ten minutes passed before Ally Salum thought he had doubled the Sharks’ lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside following a mistake by Gor Mahia’s frontline.
With three minutes added to the first half, Alpha Onyango equalized for Gor Mahia. Samuel Onyango swung a ball into the right wing, which was cleared by the Sharks’ defense, but the ball fell to Alpha Onyango.
He made no mistake, firing a low shot to ensure the first half ended all square.
Sinisa Mihic made two immediate substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing in Sharrif Musa and Enock Morrison for Patrick Essombe and Samuel Onyango, respectively.
As he has so often done, sensational Austin Odhiambo restored Gor Mahia’s lead with a spectacular free-kick in the 51st minute.
Two minutes later, Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty after Austin Odhiambo was fouled inside the box.
He stepped up to confidently convert, increasing the lead to 1-3 and securing his brace for the day, taking his goal tally to eight.
Despite several changes by both teams, Gor Mahia dominated the second half.
Sharks’ substitutions failed to make an impact, and Gor Mahia secured their 11th win of the season, while Sharks suffered their seventh defeat.
Teams First XI
Kariobangi Sharks – Sebastian Wekesa, LeonLevit Otieno, Biko Omollo, Kevin Luke Otiala, Timothy Ekhavi, Biron Otieno, Keagan Ndemi, Fortune Omoto, Ally Salum, Zablon Kutela, Steve Mbulere
Gor Mahia – Gad Mathews, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Lawrence Juma, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Paul Ochuoga, Samuel Onyango, Patrick Essombe