Defending champions Gor Mahia kept their perfect start to the FKF Premier League season on Wednesday, beating Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega thanks to a second-half goal from former Homeboyz forward David Okoth.

The win was K'Ogalo's fourth in four league matches, while Homeboyz, who had gone unbeaten in their first three games, suffered their first loss of the campaign.

A tight first half

The opening 45 minutes were evenly matched. The Eastleigh Voice reported that possession was split 50-50 at the break, with Homeboyz managing three attempts, one of them on target, and winning three corners. Gor Mahia had three shots of their own, two of which tested the home goalkeeper. Neither side found a breakthrough and the teams went in level at 0-0.

Substitutes change the game

Gor coach Charles Akonnor made three changes in the second half, and the fresh legs tilted the contest. The decisive moment came in the 69th minute, according to Citizen Digital, when Okoth beat the goalkeeper with a powerful left-footed shot from a tight angle after Jackson Dwang found him on the left, as described by the Eastleigh Voice.

Okoth's celebration against the club he once played for earned him a yellow card after he took off his shirt.

Homeboyz pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages. Boniface Nyabuto and Charles Momanyi both went close, but Gor goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi produced the key saves to protect the lead.

What the coaches said

Akonnor praised his bench for reading the game well and said his side was "progressing very, very well" as they chase another title.

Homeboyz coach Edward Manoah admitted his team had started both halves poorly and blamed their failure to take chances. He said the side would work on finishing in training and challenged his players to show stronger character in the coming matches.

Elsewhere in the league

  • Bandari and Posta Rangers played out a goalless draw, with Posta finishing the match with ten men.
  • AFC Leopards were also in midweek action away to Mara Sugar.

The result keeps Gor Mahia at the front of the early title race, having taken maximum points from their opening fixtures. Homeboyz, who had hoped to use home advantage to end the champions' run, will look to bounce back in their next outing.

Photos: Citizen Digital; The Eastleigh Voice. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.