Gor Mahia 1-0 Sofapaka: Ulimwengu lifts unbeaten K'Ogalo to FKF Premier League's summit

Gor Mahia remain unbeaten in the 2021/22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League after a 1-0 win over Sofapaka on Saturday at the Moi Sports Complex, Kasarani.

Jules Ulimwengu scored the only goal of the encounter that saw the giants climb the ladder to the top as they now enjoy 12 points from their four engagements.

Sofapaka were unable to utilise a 10th-minute chance that was created by David King'atua as Ronack Elvis headed wide from close range. 

Lawrence Juma - who has been linked with a move away from Batoto ba Mungu in recent days - was yellow-carded in the 12th minute for a foul on Gor Mahia defender Dennis Ng'ang'a.

From close range, Austin Odhiambo - who has established himself as a first-teamer in the Gor Mahia set-up since he signed from AFC Leopards - fired a weak shot in the 20th minute that Kevin Omondi had no big problem collecting.

K'Ogalo took the lead in the 24th minute as Ulimwengu, who made a timely run from the midfield,  fired past Omondi who had not been seriously tested before. 

The 2009 Premier League champions could have equalised in the 32nd minute but a shot hit the crossbar as Gor Mahia's goalkeeper Adama Keita was beaten in the process.

As the second half began, Batoto ba Mungu made three changes with Alex Imbusia, Said Tsuma, and Titus Achesa coming on for Ronack Otieno, King'atua and Wilberforce Lugogo.

The visitors saw another chance dealt with by Keita when Roy Okal - after he calmly collected a pass from Sunday Ikehkhai - came close to finding the back of the net in the 68th minute, with Sofapaka looking a more energised side after the three changes.

From a promising position, Juma - who scored 16 goals for Sofapaka last season - failed to make a conversion from a free-kick in the 70th minute and thus denied his side a golden opportunity to restore parity.

In the 75th minute and with Sofapaka's confidence growing each minute, Gor Mahia's Mark Harrison made three changes as Harun Shakava, Alpha Onyango and John Ochieng replaced Ulimwengu, John Macharia and Peter Oudu.

Ochieng was cautioned in the 90th minute as K'Ogalo resorted to a more physical approach to deal with a resilient rival before the referee added five minutes.

Gor Mahia will be looking for a fifth straight win when they face Police FC on November 6, while Sofapaka will battle AFC Leopards, who have not been grinding out positive results, on November 7.

Gor Mahia XI: Adama Keita, Philemon Odhiambo, Yusuf Mainge, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Frank Odhiambo, Peter Oudu, Austin Odhiambo, John Macharia, Peter Lwasa, Jules Ulimwengu, Benson Omala.

Subs: Gad Mathews, Fred Nkata, Harun Shakava, Victor Ochieng, John Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, John Nyawir, Boniface Omomdi, Yangayay Sando.

Sofapaka XI: Kevin Omondi, Ambrose Sifuna, Ronack Elvis, David Nshirinimana, Roy Okal, Sunday Ikekhai, David King'atua, Wilberforce Lugogo, Joseph Waithira.

Subs: Fredrick Odhiambo, Titus Achesa, Hamdi Mohamed, Hansel Ochieng, Robert Karisa, Alex Imbusia, Sad Tsuma, Dan Guya, Geofrey Ojung'a.