Plagued by a plethora of off-field issues, record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia saw their woes escalate following a shock 1-0 loss to relegation-threatened FC Talanta in an FKF Premier League clash staged at the Dandora Stadium on Thursday.After a protracted saga that took centre stage at the start of the week, Sinisa Mihic, who was serving his final game in the stands following a two-game suspension, opted to start with Austin Odhiambo. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThis is after the Croat was handed his marching orders in the 1-0 win over KCB FC, with the tactician’s woes deepening following a fallout with Austin after the coach called out the midfielder for his performance in the 1-1 draw against Sofapaka.Tusker receive timely boost in FKF title race as league’s top scorer returnsLooking to put their off-field issues aside, Gor Mahia posted a bright start to the game, well aware that a victory would whittle down Tusker’s lead at the summit of the log to just a single point with seven games remaining till the curtains come falling on the season.The record league champions almost broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when Bryson Wangai dazzled on the left flank to find Benson Omala, who laid the ball off to Austin, but the former AFC Leopards midfielder’s effort was straight at Brandon Obiero in goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877582##K’Ogalo came close again in the 24th minute when Samuel Kapen’s low cross was palmed onto the path of Wangai by Obiero in goal, who set up Alpha Onyango, but the former Kariobangi Sharks keeper recovered to make a crucial save.Against the run of play, Talanta went ahead in the 38th minute through red-hot striker Emmanuel Osoro, who received a cross from the left flank and hit a half volley into the back of the net for his 13th goal of the season.Austin Odhiambo responds to public spat with Gor Mahia head coachOsoro also ensured that he scored against Gor Mahia in both legs this season, with his strike taking him just two goals shy of the top scorers Ryan Ogam and Moses Shumah. The reigning champions came close to drawing level with five minutes left on the clock until the break when Austin laid the ball to Alpha, but the Kakamega High School alumnus could not find his scoring boots as he skied his effort.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877577##Upon resumption of the second half, Gor Mahia withdrew Wangai and Kapen and introduced Paul Ochuoga and academy graduate Bryton Onyona.Austin, who was pulling the strings in midfield, almost restored parity for Gor Mahia at the stroke of the hour mark through a well-struck free kick, but the crossbar came to Talanta’s rescue as the ball cannoned off the woodwork and out for a goalkick.Elite Police Unit to oversee security at 2024 CHAN in KenyaTalanta slowed down the momentum of the game with their well-drilled defensive structure proving difficult for K’Ogalo to crack.The 2021 National Super League (NSL) champions managed to successfully run down the clock to claim their second win over Gor Mahia in eight meetings.
