Image || Courtesy
By Mark Kinyanjui
Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia reminded their rivals why they are the team to beat, dismantling a lackluster KCB FC 3-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The victory was the perfect response to AFC Leopards’ win over Posta Rangers on Saturday, which had briefly cut the gap at the top to three points. With this win, K’Ogalo restored their six-point cushion at the summit, moving to 46 points after 21 matches.
First Half
The match, which kicked off after a 20-minute rain delay, saw Gor Mahia assert their dominance from the first whistle. Despite the slippery surface, the league leaders showed superior technical quality and clinical finishing.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute. Midfielder Enock Morrison, who has been in scintillating form, picked up the ball well outside the area and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past KCB goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa to open the scoring.
Just five minutes later, in the 29th minute, it was 2-0. Shariff Musa showed great vision and composure, combining beautifully with winger Samuel Kapen before squaring the ball back to the same guy to double the advantage.
KCB, led by veteran coach Robert Matano, struggled to find a rhythm. Their best chance of the half came in the 37th minute when a cross-cum-shot from the right flank tested the Gor Mahia backline but ultimately sailed just wide of the post.
However, any hopes of a KCB comeback were extinguished just before halftime. Shariff Musa turned provider again, breaking down the wing and delivering a pinpoint cutback to Samuel Kapen.
With only the keeper to beat, Kapen made no mistake, slotting home his second of the afternoon to make it 3-0 in the 43rd minute and send the fans and hierarchy into frenzy, including club patron Eliud Owalo.
Second half
With a comfortable lead, Charles Akonnor’s men slowed down the tempo in the second half but remained the more dangerous side.
Bryton Onyona attempted to get in on the act with a stinging shot from distance, though it didn’t find the target.
In the 57th minute, Shariff Musa nearly set up Kapen once more with a teasing cross, but the striker blazed his effort agonisingly over the bar.
In the 76th minute, Shariff Musa had a golden opportunity to get on the scoresheet himself after rounding Munyasa, but he could not find the finish from a tight angle. In the end, Gor Mahia managed to see out the game comfortably.
The Title Race Heat
The result leaves KCB languishing in 8th place with 29 points, their winless run against Gor Mahia now stretching back to early 2023. Gor Mahia will be hoping they can maintain that momentum when they take on Posta Rangers on Wednesday.
