Benson Omalla’s early strike and Christopher Ochieng’s late goal were enough to return Gor Mahia to winning ways as they beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0 at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday.
In what was Omalla’s first goal on five games, the striker found the target in the 16th minute after getting on the end of Austin Odhiambo’s pass.
The striker had come close to breaking the deadlock after 10 minutes but his shot was block before he made amends six minutes later.
With former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga among those watching, K’Ogalo did not disappoint their fans in Homa Bay as they made life difficult for their opponents.
Johnathan McKinstry’s men could not add onto their tally in the opening half as they went into the break leading 1-0.
There was a moment of scare after the break when defender Rooney Onyango went down injured and although he was attended to by medics and continued, he was replaced in the 68th minute by Pual Ochuoga.
The Gor Mahia defence, which has conceded just four goals this season, remained resolute restricting Muhoroni to long-range shots.
As the game wore on, McKinstry opted to keep the points safe by taking off Odhiambo and Omalla for Kevin Juma and Patrick Kaddu to shore up the midfield.
Kaddu was returning to action after a long injury layoff and the K’Ogalo faithful will hope that he returns to the heights of last season. With the game almost done, Christopher Ochieng’ slotted home Gor’s second goal to settle the nerves and make the points safe in the 90th minute.
Victory saw Gor end a spell of two straight draws although they still remain second on the table with 24 points, one behind leaders Posta Rangers.