Alpha Onyango’s 86th minute strike lifts Gor Mahia past APS Bomet

Alpha Onyango’s 86th minute strike lifts Gor Mahia past APS Bomet

The midfielder struck in the 86th minute to secure a second consecutive victory for K’Ogalo, who now have six points from two matches after opening their campaign with a 4-2 win over Murang’a Seal.

Gor Mahia beat APS Bomet 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Saturday, with Alpha Onyango scoring just four minutes before the final whistle, in a match that marks perfect start to the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season.

The midfielder struck in the 86th minute to secure a second consecutive victory for K’Ogalo, who now have six points from two matches after opening their campaign with a 4-2 win over Murang’a Seal.

The result offered an early statement of intent from the defending champions, who had to work hard to break down a determined Bomet side that threatened on several occasions but failed to convert its opportunities.

Gor started on the front foot, with Musa Shariff testing the hosts’ defence early. APS Bomet responded in the 10th minute when Phillip Wasai rose to meet Francis Otieno’s delivery, but goalkeeper Kevin Omondi blocked his effort. Rodgers Kipkemboi collected the rebound but was unable to beat the Gor custodian.

The visitors continued to search for an opener, with Onyango firing narrowly wide after picking up a loose ball near the edge of the box. Dennis Omedi also tested Bomet goalkeeper Maxwell Mulili with a low drive following a pass from Onyango.

Both sides created chances in an entertaining first half. Bomet threatened through Brian Buletti and Frank Mandela, while Gor came close through Patrice Esombe, whose volley drifted wide after a delivery from Shariff.

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Ebenezer Ocran also went close for the visitors after receiving a pass from Esombe, beating a defender before unleashing a powerful effort that struck Omondi and went just wide.

At the other end, Bomet continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, but Omondi kept out Wasai’s late attempt to ensure the teams went into the break level.

Gor resumed with renewed attacking intent, as Jackson Dwang sent a looping effort narrowly over the target after collecting a loose ball outside the box.

Bomet also had opportunities to take the lead. Frank Mandela headed wide from Omondi Francis’ delivery before Ugandan forward Bruno Bunyaga broke through the Gor defence, only for Potiphar Odhiambo to intervene and clear the danger.

Gor coach Charles Akonnor responded with a triple substitution around the hour mark, bringing on Ben Stanley, Daniel Sakari and Enock Machaka in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack.

The changes nearly paid off immediately when Machaka connected with Onyango’s delivery, forcing Mulili into a save. Bunyaga then came close at the other end, but his curling effort drifted inches wide.

As the match entered its final stages, Gor increased the pressure. Shariff fired narrowly wide after a determined run before Buletti made a timely intervention to deny him following another pass from Onyango.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute. Stanley laid the ball into Onyango’s path, and the midfielder drove a low shot from near the edge of the box beyond the Bomet defence to give Gor the decisive goal.

APS Bomet pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but the champions held on to claim all three points.

The defeat was Bomet’s first of the season after they began with a goalless draw against Mathare United, leaving them still searching for their maiden victory.

KCB edge Mathare United

Elsewhere, KCB FC secured their first win of the campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mathare United at Police Sacco Grounds.

New signing Mambote Batshi Assis scored the decisive goal to give the Bankers maximum points and leave Mathare still waiting for their first victory after two matches.

While Gor Mahia continued their winning start, KCB’s result provided an early boost as the new season begins to take shape.