Gor Mahia quench thirst with cold Tusker

Tusker’s Chrispine Erambo and Austin Odhiambo of Gor Mahia during FKF Premier league at Kasarani Stadium on October 22, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla scored his seventh goal of the season as the defending champions defeated Tusker 1-0 in a tight FKF Premier League match on Sunday at Kasarani Stadium.

Omalla has been the talk of town for the past two weeks after Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat snubbed the 21-year-old for the second time as Kenya played to a 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly match last week.

Despite the off-pitch talks, Omalla has chosen to remain focused on doing what he does best; score goals.

In a high stake match that definitely will influence the tempo of the league after a slow start, Omalla came through for Gor Mahia once again as his goal saw the champions close the gap on leaders Posta Rangers to within one point.

On the other hand, Tusker coach Robert Matano headed into the encounter a worried man after being given an ultimatum to win the match or go home.

With the defeat that saw the brewers drop to 12th in the standings, it remains to be seen if Matano, the most successful local coach, will be shown the door.

In an early kick-off at the same venue, Kariobangi Sharks came from behind to salvage a point against Muhoroni Youth.

After a barren opening half, Collins Neto gave the visitors the lead in the 50th minute when he headed home Cliff Vincent's cross as Muhoroni, who were winless in their last four matches, led against the run of play 1-0.

When Charles Odera thought he was strolling to his second win of the season, Sharks had other ideas after George Onyango capitalised on a defensive mishap to net home the equaliser in the 82nd minute and force a 1-1 draw.