Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia suffered another setback on Thursday when they unexpectedly lost 1-0 to relegation-threatened FC Talanta in an FKF Premier League match at Dandora Stadium.
Gor Mahia started the game brightly, knowing that a victory would reduce Tusker’s lead at the top of the table to just one point, with seven games remaining in the season.
They almost broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when Bryson Wangai dazzled on the left flank to find Benson Omala, who laid the ball off to Austin. However, the midfielder’s shot was right at Talanta’s goalkeeper, Brandon Obiero.
Gor Mahia came close again in the 24th minute when Samuel Kapen’s low cross was deflected by Obiero, landing in the path of Wangai, who set up Alpha Onyango. Unfortunately, the former Kariobangi Sharks keeper recovered to make a crucial save.
Against the run of play, Talanta took the lead in the 38th minute thanks to their in-form striker, Emmanuel Osoro. He received a cross from the left flank and struck a half-volley into the back of the net for his 13th goal of the season.
Osoro has now scored against Gor Mahia in both encounters this season, moving him just two goals shy of the league’s top scorers, Ryan Ogam and Moses Shumah.
The reigning champions nearly equalized with five minutes left until halftime when Austin set up Alpha, but the Kakamega High School alumnus couldn’t find the target and sent his effort over the bar.
After the break, Gor Mahia substituted Wangai and Kapen, bringing on Paul Ochuoga and academy graduate Bryton Onyona. Austin, who was pivotal in midfield, nearly drew level for Gor Mahia with a well-taken free kick at the hour mark, but the ball struck the crossbar and bounced out for a goal kick.
Talanta successfully slowed the game’s momentum with their well-organized defense, making it difficult for Gor Mahia to find a breakthrough. The 2021 National Super League champions managed to run down the clock and claimed their second victory over Gor Mahia in eight meetings.