Africa-Press – Kenya. Gor Mahia tightened their grip on the SportPesa Premier League title race with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium on Sunday.
The win lifted K’Ogalo to 43 points, opening a six-point gap over second-placed AFC Leopards, who were held to a barren draw by Bandari a day earlier.
With the season entering its decisive phase, Gor’s push for a record-extending 22nd league crown is gathering real momentum.
Beyond the points, however, the result carried emotional weight. APS Bomet had humiliated Gor 4–1 in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium, with Hansel Ochieng scoring a hat-trick. Sunday’s return fixture presented a chance for redemption — and the visitors seized it.
Head coach Charles Akonnor described the encounter as a stern examination of character.
“We knew it would be demanding,” Akonnor said. “APS are organised and strong at home. We needed to show personality.”
Gor did exactly that, striking inside seven minutes. Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Assifuah finished clinically after a swift attacking move to silence the home crowd and calm early nerves.
“We wanted a strong start because of what happened in the first leg,” Akonnor explained. “The players understood the importance of setting the tone.”
Gor controlled possession thereafter, pressing aggressively and stretching APS in wide areas. But the hosts, buoyed by home support and memories of their emphatic Nairobi win, grew into the contest and punished a lapse in concentration to equalise before the break.
“At this stage, small mistakes are costly,” Akonnor admitted. “We lost our defensive shape momentarily.”
The visitors responded positively after half-time. Akonnor urged composure in midfield and better decision-making on the ball — instructions that soon paid off. A well-worked move early in the second half restored Gor’s lead and shifted momentum back in their favour.
From there, game management became key. Gor slowed the tempo, recycled possession intelligently and limited transitions as APS searched for openings. The contest remained tense, particularly after Gor missed a late chance to extend their advantage.
APS threatened to capitalise in the closing stages, but Gor’s backline held firm under pressure.
“The final minutes required maturity,” Akonnor said. “We defended with discipline and managed the moments.”
Across the touchline, APS coach Sammy Omollo, popularly known as Pamzo, took encouragement despite the defeat.
“I’m disappointed with the result but proud of the performance,” Omollo said. “We showed the first leg was not a fluke.”
Ultimately, experience proved decisive. Gor’s ability to control the closing exchanges underlined why they remain favourites for the title.
The victory not only avenges November’s heavy defeat but also reinforces their credentials at the summit. With a six-point cushion and confidence restored, Gor Mahia have placed themselves in a commanding position.
Still, as Akonnor cautioned, nothing is settled. In a season marked by twists and fine margins, consistency — not emotion — will determine whether K’Ogalo turn this advantage into a historic 22nd crown.
