- Nairobi City Stars defeated Gor Mahia 2-1 to complete a double over them in a midweek clash staged at the Dandora Stadium on Thursday, May 15.
- Hansel Ochieng and Vincent Owino scored for Salim Babu’s side, while Benson Omalla netted the consolation goal for Gor Mahia.
- The win lifts City Stars – who have spent much of the season near the bottom of the table—up one spot to 17th with 30 points, while Gor Mahia remain third with 53 points.
Nairobi City Stars ended their 23-match wait for consecutive victories by delivering a crushing blow to Gor Mahia’s title aspirations with a thrilling 1-2 triumph on Thursday evening at the Dandora Stadium.
Their last successive league wins date back to October and November last year, coincidentally also against Gor Mahia and Shabana.
Goals from Hansel Ochieng and Vincent Owino ensured they broke the jinx, securing a second straight win after a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Mara Sugar last weekend.
Meanwhile, it was a crushing setback for K’Ogalo, who desperately needed maximum points.
Despite a goal from Benson Omalla, it was not enough to close the gap at the summit.
Gor Mahia now remain third on the table with 53 points five behind league leaders Kenya Police, who sit at 58, although Gor still have a game in hand.
Eager to complete a season double over Gor Mahia, City Stars began the match with high intensity.
Within just four minutes, Hansel Ochieng broke the deadlock following a well-placed assist from Kevin Juma, capitalizing on a defensive lapse in the Gor Mahia backline.
However, Gor Mahia responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Benson Omalla leveled the score with his first league goal since returning to the squad late this season.
As both teams pushed to regain the lead, a pivotal moment came when Vincent Owino was brought down in the box, earning City Stars a penalty. He confidently stepped up and converted from the spot, restoring their advantage.
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Despite multiple attempts from both sides in the remaining minutes of the first half, City Stars’ defense held firm.
Head coach Salim Babu’s side went into the break leading 2-1, while Gor Mahia were left ruing uncharacteristic defensive errors.
Upon resumption of the second half, both sides introduced fresh legs in a bid to shift the momentum.
Sinisa Mihic’s charges controlled much of the play, dictating the tempo for extended periods.
However, Nairobi City Stars’ resilient backline, anchored by a composed performance from goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro, stood their ground to preserve the narrow lead.
The vital three points lifted City Stars from the foot of the table to 17th place, leapfrogging Bidco United with 30 points.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia failed to capitalize on the stumbles of their title rivals, left to rue costly defensive lapses in the opening half.
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Kariobangi Sharks vs KCB: Sharks End Winless Streak
Earlier at the same venue, Kariobangi Sharks halted their four-match winless run with a narrow 1-0 victory over KCB, compounding the Bankers’ ongoing struggles.
KCB have now gone seven league matches without a win, slipping from title contenders to top-ten hopefuls. They currently occupy seventh place with 41 points, tied with eighth-placed Bandari FC.
Meanwhile, William Muluya’s Sharks boosted their survival hopes, climbing to 13th place with 33 points. With three matches left, they continue their push to retain top-flight status next season.
Gor Mahia vs City Stars Starting Lineups
Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews, Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Levin Joseph, Samuel Onyango, Enock Morrison, Lawrence Juma, Bryson Wangai, Sharrif Musa, Austine Odhiambo, Benson Omalla.
Nairobi City Stars: Elvis Ochor, Wycliffe Omondi, Stephen Bulungu, Salim Odeka, Calvin Opollo, Kevin Juma, Dennis Oalo, Kevin Etemesi, Vincent Owino, Hansel Ochieng, Benjamin Murimi.
FKF Premier League – Matchday 31 Results
Wednesday
- Ulinzi Stars 1-1 Posta Rangers
- FC Talanta 2-0 Tusker FC
- AFC Leopards 3-1 Mathare United
- Shabana FC 2-1 Bidco United
- Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 Kenya Police
- Mara Sugar 0-0 Bandari FC
- Murang’a SEAL 2-0 Sofapaka FC
Thursday
- Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 KCB FC
- Gor Mahia 1-2 Nairobi City Stars
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