Gor Mahia opened a nine-point lead at the top of the FKF Premier League table after coming from behind to beat basement side Nzoia Sugar 2-1 in Bungoma on Saturday 13, April.
Just like their last meeting last December when K’Ogalo had to come from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw, the champions were pegged back again at the Sudi Stadium when Nzoia took a 1-0 lead after 26 minutes.
Daniel Simiyu converted a penalty to give Nzoia hope of an unlikely upset but they could not hold on for long as the lively Shariff Musa equalised for Gor Mahia two minutes to the break.
After the interval, Gor Mahia came with the intention to claim all three points and went for the jugular.
It did not take long before they went ahead, Musa delivering a good ball which Bryson Wangai latched onto to score the second goal for the champions.
Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry then made a couple of changes to freshen up his side, goal scorer Wangai going off for Christopher Ochieng while Rodgers Omondi came in for Erick Masika.
K’Ogalo, who have been known for their mean defence this season, stayed resolute and kept their opponents at bay until the 90th minute when the league’s leading scorer Benson Omala made it 3-1 to seal maximum for the first time in three matches.
Gor Mahia had lost 1-0 to Bandari before last weekend’s goalless draw against Kakamega Homeboyz saw them miss an opportunity to take a double-digit lead at the summit.
However, with Bandari drawing 1-1 with Bidco United on Saturday and Tusker FC playing on Sunday, Gor Mahia opened up a nine-point lead with eight games remaining.
The victory was also a big morale-booster for McKinstry’s men ahead of next weekend’s Mashemeji derby against bitter rivals AFC Leopards.
K’Ogalo are now on 54 points from 26 matches and appear destined to defend their title.
