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Mihic confident as Gor Mahia close in on FKF-PL leaders

Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic conducts a training session on February 5, 2025 at MPesa Academy grounds in Kiambu County.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation

By  Cecil Odongo

Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The victory saw Gor Mahia narrow the gap between them and league leaders Kenya Police to just three points, with a game in hand. Gor now have 39 points from 22 matches, while Kenya Police remain top with 42 points.
  • Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya lamented his team’s defensive lapses, saying their downfall was due to individual errors and failure to mark their opponents.

Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic believes his team has fully embraced his philosophy and can dictate the tempo against any Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) side.

The defending champions showcased their resilience on Wednesday, coming from behind to defeat relegation-threatened Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.

Sharks struck first in the 26th minute when Fortune Omotto sprinted past Gor Mahia's defenders and unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Gad Mathews.

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However, Gor Mahia responded just before halftime, with midfielder Alpha Onyango scoring a long-range effort in the 45th minute after Paul Ochuoga’s cross was flicked on by Samuel Onyango.

Austin Odhiambo then took centre stage in the second half. The midfielder, whose season has been hampered by injuries, curled in a stunning free-kick in the 50th minute after being fouled by Keegan Zakayo just outside the box.

Two minutes later, he won a penalty after Zakayo brought him down inside the area and confidently converted from the spot to seal Gor Mahia’s victory.

Coach Mihic expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, crediting their tactical discipline and high pressing.

"Against us, it was not easy for them. We were good without the ball, we pressed them, and our plan for the 90-minute game worked," said Mihic.

"We had a strong bench, we didn’t relax, and we changed the dynamic of the game. I’m satisfied with the three points. We controlled the match well, Austin was superb, he settled the team, and we missed him in previous games," he added.

The Croat is confident Gor Mahia will retain their title, saying, "I believe by the end of the season, we will be champions."

The victory saw Gor Mahia narrow the gap between them and league leaders Kenya Police to just three points, with a game in hand. Gor now have 39 points from 22 matches, while Kenya Police remain top with 42 points.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya lamented his team’s defensive lapses, saying their downfall was due to individual errors and failure to mark their opponents.

"My players didn’t follow instructions, and the goals we conceded came from individual mistakes," said Muluya.

"We need confidence to bounce back, and we must quickly forget this heavy defeat. Gor Mahia have quality, and we shouldn’t have allowed them to control the game ahead of us," he added.

Sharks remain in 14th place on the log with 24 points from 23 matches, still battling to avoid relegation.