In a thrilling encounter that showcased their prowess, Gor Mahia FC overturned a first-leg deficit to trounce El Merriekh SC Bentiu 5-1, thus securing a place in the next round of the CAF Champions League. The match, held at Nyayo National Stadium Nairobi , witnessed a captivating performance from the Kenyan Premier League Champions, whose aggregate victory of 5-2 sets them up for a formidable clash with the CAF Champions defending champions, Al Ahly for a slot in CAF Champions League group stage.
Context and Early Setbacks
Gor Mahia entered the second leg trailing 0-1 from the first leg, played a week earlier in Juba. This deficit turned the return leg into a must-win situation. The early moments of the game posed an immediate challenge for the hosts when Geoffrey Ochieng was caught off guard by El Merriekh’s Wahi. Wahi’s swift play enabled him to deliver a pass to A. Samwel, who scored the opening goal for the visitors, momentarily silencing the home crowd.
Gor Mahia’s Resilience
Despite the early setback, Gor Mahia quickly regained composure and equalized in the 15th minute. Austin Odhiambo, returning to the starting lineup, orchestrated a precise through ball to Chris Ochieng. Ochieng responded with a deft looping shot over the El Merriekh goalkeeper, restoring parity at 1-1.
The momentum shifted decisively in favor of Gor Mahia when, in the 21st minute, Rooney Onyango delivered an exceptional cross that Alpha Onyango converted with a well-placed strike, giving Gor Mahia a 2-1 lead. The home supporters erupted in jubilation, with the stadium resonating with the famous chant, “Gor Biro, Yawne Yo.”
Dominance and Tactical Mastery
Gor Mahia’s control of the game was evident as they demonstrated a fluid, tiki-taka style of football characterized by intricate passing and movement. The 34th minute saw Shariff Musa win a free kick, with Austin Odhiambo’s precise delivery finding Alphonse Omija, who tapped in the ball to extend Gor Mahia’s lead to 3-1. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd celebrated Omija’s first goal since rejoining Gor Mahia after his professional stints in Asia.
The first half ended with Gor Mahia comfortably leading 3-1, setting a promising tone for the second half.
Second Half Dynamics and Tactical Adjustments
The second half began with Gor Mahia continuing to assert dominance. Chris Ochieng had a notable miss in the 48th minute, failing to convert a clear-cut opportunity after Shariff Musa’s incisive play. A minute later, Rooney Onyango’s powerful strike was thwarted by a save from the El Merriekh goalkeeper Juma. At the 63rd minute, a promising counter-attack saw Rooney Onyango’s shot narrowly miss, hitting the side netting instead.
Despite the squandered opportunities, Gor Mahia’s technical bench made tactical adjustments to reinforce their defense. Philemon Otieno and Kennedy Onyango were introduced in place of Paul Ochuoga and Kennedy Onyango, followed by Enock Morison’s substitution for Lawrence Juma. These changes aimed to solidify Gor Mahia’s defensive setup while preserving their lead.
Final Flourishes and Victory Secured
In the closing stages of the match, Gor Mahia’s attacking intent was renewed with another set of substitutions. Leo Neiva, Gor mahia coach, introduced Samuel Kapen and Boniface Omondi in place of Christopher Ochieng and Shariff Musa in the 79th minute. This shift proved pivotal as Samuel Kapen provided assists for both of Rooney Onyango’s late goals in the 80th and 90+3 minutes.
Rooney Onyango, who had been moved from his usual right-back position to a more advanced role, capitalized on these opportunities to score twice, sealing a resounding 5-1 victory and a 5-2 aggregate score.
