A second half goal from Benson Omala is all what record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia needed to open the 2022-2023 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season on a winning note as they beat Nzoia Sugar 1-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium.In a game that saw former Prime Minister Raila Odinga catch the proceedings from the stands, Gor who appeared rusty had Omala to thank as his goal saw them join AFC Leopards and Tusker in celebrating wins in da one.Nzoia custodian Humphrey Katasi was a busy man in the opening minutes of the game as Gor threw everything to his goal in search for the opener. The former national U20 team goalkeeper came to the rescue of his side in the third minute, putting his palms on the line to save a hard drilled freekick from Dennis Ng’ang’a. Gor had been awarded the setpiece from the edge of the box after Vincent Mahiga fouled Lloyd Khavuchi who had already turned the defender in out and ready to pull the trigger. Katasi would make a decent save two minutes later, towering past everyone in the crowded box to deflect a corner delivered by Peter Lwasa to safety. Gor who enjoyed possession for the better part of the first quarter continued to ask questions but the rock solid Nzoia back line was equal to the task. The clearest and first scoring chance in the game fell to the path of Khavuchi in the 22nd minute but the left-footed winger lobbed the ball way off the target with the goalkeeper to beat. At the Nyayo stadium with Baba @RailaOdinga for the @GorMahia_FC vs @nzoia game pic.twitter.com/gJGCSJd3Qz— Dr Andrew Suleh MD (@andrewsuleh) November 19, 2022 Khavuchi was put through by George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo whose pass sliced through the centre backs finding the burly forward but the pressure from his back could not allow him chip the ball past Katasi comfortably. Gor shot stopper Gad Mathews was first tested in the 28th minute when he rose to gather Joseph Mwangi’s cross that was aimed at finding Mohammed Barisa. Joshua Mahero made a well timed block a minute later to deny Barisa who was through on goal from shooting directly to the exposed Mathews who was off the line in a bid to close in on the attacker. The hosts made their first change in the 31st minute with John Macharia coming in for Lwasa who appeared to be struggling with pace. Second half After struggling for the better part of the first half, Nzoia returned with vigour for the final stanza but their efforts in finding the opener were dealt a bow as Gor grabbed the lead in the 53rd minute against the run of play. Benson Omala who had a quiet first half thanks to the tight marking by Ian Karani and Randy Bakari rose high to head home a freekick delivered by Sydney Ochieng. The goal however didn’t stop the visitors from knocking the Gor’s window in search for the equalizer that nearly came in the 61st minute when Barisa dribbled past Ng’ang’a but his shot flew off target. A clash of heads between Wendo and Stephen Otieno in the 80th minute saw the game halted a couple of minutes as the medics swung into action to give first aid to the duo. A clash of heads between Gor’s Ernest Wendo and Nzoia’s Stephen Otieno forces the medics into action. Both players have been rushed to the hospital pic.twitter.com/GVCamiC0wV— Meshack Kisenge (@kisengemeshack1) November 19, 2022 The presence of three ambulances on stand by came in handy and the two were immediately rushed to the hospital with Wendo returning minutes later perhaps after being cleared by the medics. Moses Mwale thought he had leveled matters for Nzoia in the 86th minute after kissing the back of the net but the offside flag came to the rescue of Gor who held on the remaining minutes to pick the three points. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6824777##Gor Mahia Starting XI; Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Joshua Mahero, Paul Ochuoga, Ernest Wendo, Peter Lwasa (John Macharia 31), George Odhiambo (Boniface Omondi 64), Benson Omala, Lloyd Khavuchi, Sydney Ochieng( John Ochieng 73)Substitutes; Caleb Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Peter Oudu, John NyawirNzoia Sugar Starting XI; Humphrey Katasi, Vincent Mahiga, Ian Karani, Randy Bakari, Moses Mwale, Kevin Juma, Boniface Munyendo, Joseph Mwangi, Mohammed Barisa (Emoni Tanui 71), Hassan Beja (Stephen Otieno 71)Unused substitutes; Benson Mangala, Harun Thomas, Ian Simiyu, Emmanuel EsekonCentre referee: Felix Ekai
