The country’s most in form striker Benson Omala was once again on hand to carry Gor Mahia to another crucial win as he scored the solitary goal that earned the record Kenyan champions a hard fought 1-0 victory over Bidco United at Nyayo National Stadium.Having gone for two matches without winning for the first time this season, the top scorer ensured K’Ogalo snapped that record with his first half strike that was enough to get the job done as he extended his tally at the top of the scoring charts to 19 goals in 19 games.FT | Gor Mahia 1 -0 Bidco United We fried the cooking oil merchants na mafuta yao. (Omalla 17′)#Sirkal | #GorFansClub pic.twitter.com/gAURq0ce7k— GOR MAHIA FANS CLUB (@OfficialGMFC) March 12, 2023 “The victory was hugely important today because the league is becoming very competitive so you need to win when it is possible to do so. I could not be more proud of the guys because we took our opportunity and we defended magnificently in denying Bidco chances,” Gor Mahia boss Johnathan McKinstry said.”I think we played well just that we donated the goal because they did not create it. In terms of playing, the match was a very close affair. The only worrying part is the conceding,” Bidco’s Anthony Akhulia remarked.Mathare United continues giant-killing streak with win over AFC LeopardsIt is Gor Mahia who started the game brightly as they looked to find an early advantage. Bidco were however well alive to the danger and denied their opponents any clear cut opportunity in their danger area.With all the possession, Gor would fashion their first chance in the 14th minute through a long driven effort from Dennis Ng’ang’a that agonizingly went over the bar despite having the beating of a scrambling Daniel Odiwuor in the Bidco goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_7088120##Just four minutes later, the probing 19 time record champions, albeit with some stroke of luck, finally got the fruits of their bright start and sustained pressure when Thomas Wainana dealt poorly with an overcooked Geoffrey Ochieng’ cross into the area.Having tried to clear with his knees, the ball fell directly into Omala’s path who made an instinctive swivel turn before firing into the bottom corner leaving Odiwuor transfixed to the ground as he wheeled off in celebration after extending his tally on top of the scoring charts to 19 goals.That goal appeared to have woken up Bidco from their slumber as they pushed bodies foward to try and offer something in the final third which had been lacking so far.Clinical Rangers shoot down Ulinzi to register sixth win of the seasonAlmost immediately, the Thika based side came close to restoring parity when David Orem rose the highest to head a perfect Wainaina cross delivered into the box.Having had the beating of everyone and looking destined to creep into the bottom corner, Gad Mathew pulled a brilliant reflex save to punch the ball out of the corner as the few spectators in the ground breathed a sigh of relief first, before applauding the goal denying save in what was Bidco’s clearest chance on goal in a half where Gor resolutely managed to deny Bidco from finding the equalizer.Benson Omala gives Gor Mahia the lead with his 19th strike of the season against Bidco United.19 games, 19 goals🔥Gor Mahia 1-0 Bidco United (18′)#Sirkal pic.twitter.com/lf3bNWsCcF— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) March 12, 2023 Just a minute after the second half’s resumption, Boniface Omondi should have doubled Gor Mahia’s lead after being played through on goal by John Macharia but the diminutive winger fluffed his chance and pulled his shot wide off goal without even testing the goalkeeper in disappointing fashion.Despite Bidco piling on pressure in the second half, the team were denied any clear cut chances as Gor successfully defended their linesto seal the narrow win.Gor Mahia Starting XI; Gad Mathew (GK), Paul Ochuoga, Geoffrey Ochieng’ (Philemon Otieno 58′), Joshua Onyango, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi, Alpha Onyango, Benson Omala (Lloyd Khavuchi 73′), Peter Lwasa (Austin Odhiambo 73′), John MachariaBidco United Starting XI; Daniel Odiwuor, David Kalama, Thomas Wainana, Francis Oduor, Gabriel Wandera, Michael Omondi, Alex Juma, John Owira (John Nairuka 86′), David Orem, Eric Gichimu (Geoffrey Gitau 82′), Benson Maina
