• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 19 hrs ago

Champions Gor Mahia maintain perfect start in new Sportpesa League season

Gor Mahia maintained their perfect start to the Sportpesa League season after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Bandari at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, with Alpha Onyango once again proving decisive in a closely contested encounter.

The defending champions had to be patient against a disciplined Bandari side that frustrated their attacking efforts for much of the match before Onyango broke the deadlock in the 69th minute.

The midfielder finished from close range after substitute Ebenezer Assifuah delivered a well-timed pass into his path, giving K’Ogalo the breakthrough they had been searching for.

The goal was Onyango’s second match-winning strike of the campaign, having also scored the decisive goal in Gor Mahia’s narrow victory over APS Bomet.

Gor struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half as Bandari remained compact defensively, limiting space and preventing the champions from establishing their attacking rhythm. Both teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Head coach Charles Akonnor responded by introducing Assifuah and David Okoth at the start of the second half, replacing Denis Omedi and Ben Stanley in a bid to inject more urgency into Gor’s attack.

The substitutions gradually improved Gor’s attacking threat, with Okoth delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area as the champions intensified their search for a goal.

Bandari coach Charles Okere later made three changes around the hour mark, bringing on Beja Nyamawi, Darius Mnyambo and Derrick Nsibambi in an attempt to disrupt Gor’s momentum.

However, the Dockers eventually conceded as Onyango capitalised on the opportunity created by Assifuah to settle the contest.

Gor made further changes after taking the lead, with Enock Machaka replacing Onyango shortly after the goal as the champions looked to preserve their advantage.

Bandari pushed for an equaliser but struggled to break through Gor’s defence. Assifuah nearly doubled the lead in the 87th minute, only for his effort to sail narrowly over the crossbar.

The visitors continued searching for a late response, but Gor held firm to secure all three points.

The result leaves Gor Mahia with nine points from three matches, making them the only team to have won all their opening fixtures at this stage of the campaign.

K’Ogalo opened their title defence with a 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL before recording consecutive 1-0 wins against APS Bomet and Bandari.

The champions now hold a four-point advantage over second-placed Mara Sugar, strengthening their early position in the title race.

For Bandari, the defeat extends a frustrating start to the season, with the Mombasa-based side still searching for their first victory after three matches. The Dockers had drawn 0-0 with AFC Leopards before sharing a 1-1 result with 3K FC.

Gor will now look to maintain their winning momentum as the battle to retain the league title gathers pace.