• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 11 days ago

Gor Mahia lay down early marker in race to retain title with four-goal show against Murang’a Seal

League champions Gor Mahia have sent an early warning to the Sportpesa League title rivals after opening the championship defence with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Murang’a Seal in a historic floodlit encounter at Nyayo Stadium.

The record Kenyan champions combined attacking quality with clinical finishing to secure maximum points on Tuesday night, October 13, in what was the first Premier League match played after dusk since the lifting of the long-standing night football ban.

Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango gave K’Ogalo the perfect start, curling a superb free kick into the net in the fifth minute after Patrick Esombe was fouled outside the penalty area.

Murang’a Seal gradually grew into the contest and threatened to spoil the champions’ party before the break. Majaliwa Charo came close to restoring parity, striking the side netting before seeing another effort crash against the post.

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was also called into action as Seal pushed for an equaliser, but the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough before half-time.

The contest changed dramatically after the restart, with Gor Mahia showing why they remain one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the country.

Shariff Musa doubled the lead in the 49th minute, capitalising on a defence-splitting pass from Frank Odhiambo before beating goalkeeper Melvin Nderitu with a composed finish.

Jackson Dwang then produced one of the night’s standout moments in the 56th minute, catching Nderitu off his line with a powerful long-range strike to make it three.

Musa completed his brace six minutes later, heading home Bryton Onyona’s cross to put the champions firmly in control at 4-0.

However, Murang’a Seal refused to surrender without a fight.

Former Gor Mahia forward Josphat Lopaga reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute after taking advantage of defensive uncertainty before adding another goal in the 88th minute.

His late double exposed defensive weaknesses that Gor Mahia will need to address despite their impressive attacking display.

The victory gives the defending champions an encouraging start to the new campaign and places them at the top of the early league standings.

For coach Charles Akonnor’s side, the challenge now will be to maintain their attacking momentum while tightening up at the back as they pursue another league crown.

Murang’a Seal, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their response in the closing stages but must find a way to turn their promising spells into goals earlier in matches.

With four goals scored and three different scorers contributing to the attacking display, Gor Mahia have made their intentions clear: they are determined to remain the team to beat in Kenyan football.