Lackluster results from FKF Premier League title chasers Police FC and Tusker have opened the door for Kenyan giants Gor Mahia who took advantage on Wednesday by marching to a 3-1 victory at Kariobangi Sharks.
Star playmaker Austine Odhiambo put K'Ogalo out of reach at the Dandora Stadium, scoring two goals in the second half to complete a comeback victory. The Sharkmen snatched the lead inside thirty minutes when #10 Fortune Omoto put the hosts ahead.
In a match that Gor needed to boost their title hopes, however, Sinisa Mihic's charges responded with the appropriate urgency. Alpha Onyango produced a well struck volley from distance to equalize just before halftime which set the stage for Odhiambo to rise to the occasion.
A brilliantly curled free kick from Odhiambo put Gor Mahia ahead early in the second half and then last season's FKF Premier League MVP completed a fierce double blow only a few minutes later. After being taken down in the Sharks penalty area, Odhiambo stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty kick and that was the end of the resistance from the hosts.
It is a big result for the defending champions who move to within three points of leaders Police with one more match still to make up on Police and Tusker. Gor's leading scorer Odhiambo now has eight goals this season and will be crucial as the Kenyan giants attempt to launch an attack on the summit in the final third of the campaign.
Gor are next in action this weekend when they travel for a difficult encounter at KCB while Tusker and Police are also both away at Bidco United and Posta rangers respectively.
Video: Kariobangi Sharks 1-3 Gor Mahia full match highlights
League Table
GP | Points | |
Police FC | 23 | 42 |
Tusker | 23 | 41 |
Gor Mahia | 22 | 39 |
KCB | 23 | 36 |
AFC Leopards | 22 | 35 |
Shabana | 23 | 33 |
Kakamega Homeboyz | 23 | 33 |
Bandari | 23 | 33 |
Sofapaka | 23 | 30 |
Ulinzi Stars | 23 | 28 |
Mara Sugar | 23 | 27 |
Mathare United | 23 | 27 |
Posta Rangers | 23 | 25 |
Kariobangi Sharks | 23 | 24 |
Muranga | 23 | 24 |
Talanta FC | 23 | 22 |
Bidco United | 23 | 22 |
Nairobi City Stars | 23 | 22 |
The bottom two clubs at the end of the season will be relegated to the National Super League.
The team that finishes third from bottom qualifies for the relegation playoff where they will face the third place finisher from the Super League.
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