Gor Mahia kept their hopes of defending the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title alive after coming from a goal down to beat Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in a thrilling league encounter staged at Dandora Stadium.Sharks struck first in the 26th minute through Fortune Omoto, after finishing off a well-weighted pass from Biron Otieno.However, Gor responded just before the break, with Alpha Onyango firing a loose ball in the box to restore parity.After the restart, last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Austin Odhiambo proved why he is still one of the best midfielder in the competition, netting two brilliant goals from set pieces to put the game beyond the reach of Sharks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755754##The crucial win saw the record 21-time FKF Premier League champions move to three points within the reach of the current league leaders Kenya Police, who top the standings with 42 points.Tusker sit second, just a point behind Police, while Mahia are placed third place after 23 rounds.For Sharks, the defeat marked the end of their five-match unbeaten run — a streak that had seen them draw all five previous games. The loss leaves them in 14th place with 24 points, just above the relegation zone.Match ReportBoth teams were slightly cautious in the opening minutes of the encounter, but the game gathered rhythm as the clock continued to tick.Sharks enjoyed more possession in the opening exchanges and could have taken an early lead inside the first five minutes, but lacked the finishing touch.FKF reveal Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s salary payment planAfter a balanced spell, the breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Omoto capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Sharks the lead, sending their bench into celebration.As the first half neared its conclusion, K’Ogalo found their equalizer in the 43rd minute.Defender Paul Ochuoga initiated a surging run from deep, linking up with Sammy Onyango, who outpaced his marker to deliver a precise cross into the box.Though Sharks’ defenders managed to clear the initial danger, Alpha Onyango was well-placed at the edge of the box to rifle the ball into the net, bringing K’Ogalo level just before the break.A minute later, referee Erick Njogu issued the game’s first yellow card to Steve Mbulere for a reckless challenge.Both teams went into halftime locked at 1-1.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755787##Gor Mahia made two immediate changes after the break, introducing Enock Morrison and Shariff Musa for Sammy Onyango and Patrick Essombe.The changes sparked life into Mahia’s play, as they took control of proceedings.The Green Army calmly dictated the tempo in midfield, although Sharks’ defense initially held firm, denying them the opportunity to pass the ball into the net.The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Gor won a free kick just outside the penalty area.Up stepped Odhiambo, who curled a sublime effort over the defensive wall and to the top right corner, handing the Sinisa Mihic-coached side the lead for the first time in the match.Just two minutes later, Odhiambo was at it again — this time winning a penalty after being fouled inside the box by Zakayo Ndemi.The midfielder confidently dispatched the spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa the wrong way to stretch Gor Mahia’s lead to 3-1.Why Kenya U20 forward turned down 4 offers in USA to join Saginaw Valley FCIn response, Sharks made substitutions, introducing Victor Ngume and Tonny Musa for Ndemi and Zablon Kutela, hoping to inject fresh energy into the side.Despite the changes, Sharks struggled to break down a resolute Gor Mahia backline.In the end, Gor Mahia’s quality and experience proved too much, as they comfortably saw out the 3-1 victory, keeping their title defence well and truly alive.
