Defending champions Gor Mahia struck late with two minutes remaining in the game to secure a 1-1 draw at home against KCB FC in an FKF Premier League match played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
K’Ogalo were winless in their last game after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kakamega Homeboyz last weekend, while KCB were in top form, securing a 2-0 victory in a midweek clash against Abana Abeingo.
Jonathan McKinstry’s men came out firing with their first effort on goal in the second minute, but Benson Omalla saw his shot from the edge of the box well-saved by Byne Omondi.
Another clear chance of the match went the way of Gor Mahia in the seventh minute, with Patrick Sibomna’s low cross from the left swept on target by Kelvin Okumu, but the bankers’ goalkeeper Omondi made an excellent finger-tip save.
KCB then claimed the lead in the 17th minute, when Apollo Otieno found a pocket of space, turned and fired a powerful effort into the bottom left-hand corner.
Bernard Mwalala’s charges, despite holding the lead, struggled to find a rhythm to their passing and Gor Mahia were able to put them under some pressure through a combination of their direct play and occasional set pieces.
Yet the hosts were not able to call Bryne Omondi to significant action, with Erickson Mulu doing a great job in quelling the threat of Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala and ensuring his team went into the break 1-0 up.
The second half started very slowly but it was Gor Mahia who got the first chance which they failed to utilize when Austin Odhimabo sent a beautiful shot straight to the arms of goalkeeper Omondi.
KCB nearly extended their lead in the 65th minute but Njabulo Blom came to the Amakhosi rescue, as the defender produced a stunning clearance to deny Ntsako Makhubela from 12-yards out.
The Bankers continued to frustrate K’Ogalo, and Omondi did well to keep out Abel Mabaso’s stinging effort from distance in the 71st minute.
Lawrence Juma headed over at a corner for the home side, while Alpha Onyango and Simiyu then saw efforts go wide of either post in quick succession as the home side turned up the tempo.
In the 88th minute, Benson Omalla registered his fifth goal of the season for Gor Mahia to deny KCB their third win of the season.
Next up for Gor Mahia is the Mashemeji Derby against rivals AFC Leopards next Saturday