Benson Omala has developed a reputation for being a lethal striker and continues to live up to that hype in the new season.
After failing to find the back of the net in the previous match against Ulinzi Stars, Omala proved just why he is such a feared opponent with a stunning finish against Nairobi City Stars.
Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry fielded the same team that faced Ulinzi Stars in their previous game before the FIFA international break.
Nicholas Muyoti decided to make one change in the lineup with Andrew Kisilu, who netted against Bidco United, starting from the bench.
Patrick Sibomana was looking to produce another impressive display, having shone brightly in the two opening matches of the season.
The Rwanda international was working tirelessly upfront for the hosts, keeping the Simba wa Nairobi defense very busy.
Gor Mahia’s pressure paid off in the ninth minute, with former City Stars midfielder Kennedy Onyango getting his name on the scoresheet. With a set-piece played into the City Stars’ box, the K’Ogalo striker capitalized on a poor clearance inside the area before rifling the ball into the roof of the net.
Five minutes later, Rodgers Mugisha set up Sibomana, who found himself in a one-on-one situation with Stars goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro. However, the K’Ogalo striker placed his effort wide with the visitors’ defense badly exposed.
City Stars had to wait until the 24th minute for their first clear scoring chance, with a ball falling kindly for Kelvin Etemesi from a corner kick, but he blazed a shot high and wide on the turn.
The Simba wa Nairobi remained vulnerable in defense and were punished by Gor Mahia in the 29th minute, as Omala converted from an assist by Alpha Onyango to make it 2-0.
City Stars enjoyed a lengthy spell of possession toward the end of the first half and troubled Gor Mahia’s backline on a couple of occasions. However, K’Ogalo sat tight and fended off the traveling side’s attacking moves.
At the stroke of halftime, K’Ogalo headed into the break with a comfortable 3-0 advantage as Rooney Onyango produced a powerful finish from inside the area from Sibomana’s pass.
Gor Mahia continued their search for a fourth goal early in the second half, with Austin Odhiambo shooting over on 46 minutes and Mugisha forcing Ochoro into a fine save shortly thereafter, while Keneddy Onyango headed off target just before the hour mark.
Nairobi City Stars tactician Muyoti then introduced Andrew Kisilu, Newton Ochieng and Sosthenes Idah in a bid to boost the attack and strengthen the backline.
On the other side Gor Mahia introduced Boniface Omondi and Sylvester Owino for Rodgers Mugisha and Rooney Onyango.
Simba wa Nairobi managed to pull one back in the 67th minute when skipper Dennis Oalo capitalized on Gor Mahia’s error before sending a powerful shot that hit the crossbar before getting into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
Three minutes later, Gor Mahia midfielder Austion Odhimabo who was almost silent in the match registered his name on the scoresheet when he dodged some tackles from City Stars defense before sending a powerful shot past Ochoro to make it 4-1.
Gor Mahia now have scored six goals and conceded three in just three matches and they will be hoping to find more when they mee Kakamega Homeboyz next weekend.
