Ryan Ogam’s stellar performance secured a 2-1 victory for Tusker FC over the reigning Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions, Gor Mahia, in an intense showdown at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, on Sunday evening.
This victory marks Tusker’s second major triumph in just three days, following their narrow 1-0 win against Bandari FC on Wednesday.
Tusker, brimming with confidence, sought to extend their winning streak, while Gor Mahia, making their first appearance of the year, aimed to build on their previous 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks. Gor Mahia’s coach, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, saw his side start brightly, with Lawrence Juma testing Tusker’s goalkeeper, Brian Opondo, with a powerful shot in the 11th minute. Opondo was quick to react, keeping the game level.
Ryan Ogam, the league’s top scorer, appeared poised to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute after a well-timed pass from Dennis Wanjala. However, Gor Mahia’s captain, Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng’, made a crucial intervention to deny Ogam.
The second half resumed with both teams showing attacking intent. In the 50th minute, Ogam finally capitalized on his opportunities, scoring his 14th goal of the season. Substitute Dennis Oguta delivered a pinpoint low cross that Ogam skillfully converted, bypassing Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper Kevin Omondi to tap into an empty net.
Gor Mahia responded swiftly, with Shariff Musa squandering a promising chance in the box. Sensing the urgency, Otieno introduced fresh legs, bringing on Samuel Onyango, Bryceson Wangai, and Enock Morrison. The substitutions injected new energy into the team, leading to an equalizer in the 69th minute.
Austin Odhiambo restored parity with a sublime freekick after Samuel Onyango was fouled by George Kaddu. Odhiambo curled his right-footed effort into the top left corner, leaving Opondo with no chance. The midfielder almost secured a second goal nine minutes later, but Opondo’s quick reaction prevented Odhiambo from capitalizing on a defensive error.
As the clock ticked down, Ogam sealed the victory for Tusker in the 88th minute. A freekick from Wanjala found Ogam unmarked at the far post, and the striker made no mistake, tapping in the winning goal. Tusker’s triumph extended their lead at the top of the FKF Premier League standings to 33 points, solidifying their position as title contenders.
Tusker FC’s latest victory highlights their formidable form and Ogam’s crucial role in their success, while Gor Mahia will look to regroup and regain their championship momentum in the coming fixtures.
