Gor Mahia Storm Past Sofapaka to Tighten Grip on Summit
- Record champions Gor Mahia delivered a ruthless first-half display to sweep aside Sofapaka FC 3-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, opening a four-point gap at the top of the SportPesa League table.
Gor Mahia underlined their title credentials with a dominant 3-0 victory over a struggling Sofapaka FC in a one-sided SportPesa League encounter played on Saturday afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.
The league leaders wasted little time asserting control, punishing Sofapaka defensive lapses with a clinical opening half that effectively settled the contest before the break. Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino and Ebenezer Adukwaw were all on target as K’Ogalo cruised into a commanding halftime lead.
Gor Mahia took the lead in the 15th minute following a long throw from Enock Morrison that found Frank Odhiambo unmarked in the box, the defender rising highest to head home and give the champions an early advantage. The goal set the tone for a relentless spell of pressure from the hosts.
Sofapaka attempted a quick response through Musa Ndusha, whose dangerous free kick forced a save and a corner, but that was as close as Batoto Ba Mungu came to mounting a serious threat in the opening exchanges. Gor Mahia remained composed at the back and incisive going forward.
The second goal arrived soon after when Jackson Dwang split the Sofapaka defence with a precise pass that allowed Sylvester Owino to head home from close range, doubling Gor Mahia’s advantage and tightening their grip on the match.
Matters went from bad to worse for the visitors when Shariff Musa was brought down in the box, leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot. Ebenezer Adukwaw stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-0, capping a devastating first-half performance by the league leaders.
Gor Mahia were forced into a change before the interval after Patrick Essombe picked up an injury, with Ebenezer Assifuah coming on in his place, but the substitution did little to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm.
The second half saw Sofapaka introduce fresh legs in an attempt to stem the tide, but Gor Mahia were content to manage the game, maintaining their defensive shape and controlling possession. Head coach Charles Akonnor also handed Lewis Bandi his debut, withdrawing Paul Ochuoga in a notable moment late in the match.
With the victory, Gor Mahia moved to 39 points, opening a four-point cushion over rivals AFC Leopards, who were not in league action due to continental commitments. The result ensures K’Ogalo will remain top of the table heading into the FKF Cup break.
The performance once again highlighted Gor Mahia’s depth and balance, with different players stepping up in key moments. As the season enters a crucial phase, the record champions look firmly in control of the title race, while Sofapaka are left with serious questions as they continue to battle near the bottom of the standings.