The second half changes paid dividends for the Green Army, who outwitted a side that handed their arch-rivals Ingwe a first loss of the season
Tito Okello struck twice to ensure Gor Mahia picked up a 3-1 win over Western Stima in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Monday.
Samuel Onyango scored the first goal for K’Ogalo before Okello found the back of the net twice in the second half after the Powermen had equalised through Villa Oramchan late in the first half.
Onyango scored the opener for the Green Army in the 23rd minute after a dominant opening period, and Kenneth Muguna unleashed an ambitious long-range strike in the 33rd minute, but it flew just wide.
Having looked good in dealing with Gor Mahia’s attacks, Western Stima then levelled through Oramchan, who is proving his worth at a team he has enjoyed a considerable time with.
The Ugandan, who also scored against Gor Mahia’s arch-rivals AFC Leopards, found the back of the net in the 38th minute after a nice delivery by Baron Oketch.
At half-time, both teams had conceded two corners and had committed seven fouls in a game that looked very physical.
Gor Mahia had one attempt on goal compared to Western Stima’s two and off-targets shots for the hosts were four compared to the visitors’ five.
New Gor Mahia coach Vaz Pinto made a tactical change in the 46th minute when he withdrew Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor and brought on South Sudanese forward Okello to sharpen the frontline.
The introduction of Benson Omalla in place of Ulimwengu in the 61st minute made the champions even more determined to pursue more goals.
The change in the striking department paid off as Okello restored Gor Mahia’s lead in the 65th minute.
K’Ogalo were not happy with the slim lead as they fought and earned the third goal in the 85th minute through the former Vipers SC star.
Western Stima will face Mathare United in their next assignment while Gor Mahia will be up against Vihiga United.
Western Stima XI: Samuel Odhiambo, Mukisa Junior, Bravo Otieno, Marvin Ayoro, Brian Steve, Ibrahim Ochieng, Baron Oketch, Patrick Otieno, Villa Oramchan, Austine Wahongo.
Subs: Ian Nagweya, Rodgers Ouma, Ochieng Mark, Spencer Obura, Devance Ochieng, Mohamed Mbaruku, Frank Leon.
Gor Mahia XI: Boniface Oluoch, Charles Momanyi, Philemon Otieno, Joachim Oluoch, Ernest Wendo, Samuel Onyango, Bertrand Konfor, Kenneth Muguna, Jules Ulimwengu, Clifton Miheso.
Subs: Gad Mathews, Kevin Wesonga, Andrew Juma, Tito Okello, John Onyango, Omondi, Benson Omalla.