Kenya Premier League champion Gor Mahia’s comeback moved them closer to the top of the table, with Odhiambo’s performance being the standout of the evening.
Austin Odhiambo’s brilliant brace propelled Gor Mahia to a hard-fought 1-3 victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday evening at Dandora Stadium. The win, secured in the rescheduled Match Week 22 of the FKF 24/25 Premier League, allowed the reigning champions to narrow the gap with league leaders Kenya Police, reducing the deficit to just three points. With a game in hand, Gor Mahia is also now only two points behind second-placed Tusker.
The match began with a defensive misstep from Gor Mahia, allowing Kariobangi Sharks’ Ally Salum an early chance. However, Salum’s shot went wide, and Gor’s goalkeeper, Gad Mathews, later made a crucial save to deny Stephen Biko’s powerful strike. At the other end, Gor Mahia threatened through Austin Odhiambo, whose free-kick was narrowly off target, while Christopher Onyango’s effort was well saved by Sharks’ goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa.
It wasn’t until the 26th minute that the deadlock was broken, with Fortune Omoto scoring for Kariobangi Sharks after a precise cross from Biron Otieno. The Sharks nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Ally Salum’s effort was ruled offside. As the first half neared its end, Gor Mahia responded in the 42nd minute. Alpha Onyango pounced on a loose ball to fire in an equalizer, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half saw coach Sinisa Mihic make immediate changes, bringing in Sharrif Musa and Enock Morrison for Patrick Essombe and Samuel Onyango. It paid off quickly, as Odhiambo gave Gor Mahia the lead in the 51st minute with a stunning free-kick. Just two minutes later, Odhiambo was fouled inside the box, and he calmly converted the resulting penalty, securing his brace and putting Gor Mahia 1-3 up.
Despite Kariobangi Sharks’ struggles, which have now extended to 11 winless matches, Gor Mahia’s comeback moved them closer to the top of the table, with Odhiambo’s performance being the standout of the evening.
