Gor Mahia head coach, Jonathan McKinstry has extolled his charges for bolstering their hopes of a title this season with a convincing 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Sunday.
Mercurial midfielder Austin Odhiambo was the toast of the day, striking a brace in the 22nd and 55th minutes to help K'Ogalo maintain a four-point lead at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League table.
McKinstry reckoned Sunday's victory reaffirmed their desire to add prestigious awards to their trophy case after staying out in the cold for two consecutive seasons.
"Our dream of a 20th title is shaping up brilliantly with every match and I'm very happy we eventually managed to bounce back strongly and secure maximum points after playing out to a draw against Sofapaka in our last match," McKinstry said.
"Today, we created a dozen opportunities and made good use of two. We were organised throughout the encounter and the whole team deserves a pat on the back for putting up a brilliant show this afternoon," McKinistry stated.
He showered flowery words on Odhiambo for exhibiting great character in the tough encounter to propel the record champions past their resilient opponents.
"I'd like to single out Austin because he was at the top of his act today. Sometimes a team needs individual brilliance to overcome a strong opponent. I'm happy for him and for the whole team. The win is worth celebrating given our opponents are not pushovers."
As McKinistry exuded a smile at the final whistle, his opposite number at Kariobangi Sharks William Muluya lamented a bad day
in office.
"This was certainly a tough match. Remember we were up against a very experienced side with some very good players who understand their roles. We did all we could in the match but I must say things just didn't work out according to plan. We simply had a terrible day in the office," Muluya said.
Muluya attributed their loss to inexperience, acknowledging that his fledglings still had a few lessons to glean on their way to maturity.
"We have a very young team averaging 20 years and I'm satisfied with how the majority of the players performed against a team of Gor's caliber. I'm sure today's loss has presented some crucial lessons that we can greatly benefit from in our next matches."
The outcome leaves Gor at the apex of the log with 49 points, four more than defending champions Tusker.
Eric Otieno and James Macharia scored goals for the brewers in the 9th and 86th minutes, respectively, as they continued their quest for a successful title defence against Sofapaka at Ruaraka grounds on Sunday.
In other encounters of the day, Talanta beat Wazito 2-0 while Posta Rangers edged Nairobi City Stars 3-2.
Coastal side Bandari maintained a two-match unbeaten run with a narrow 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz while AFC Leopards played out a barren draw against Kenya Police. Vihiga Bullets beat Mathare United 1-0.
Nzoia Sugar were held to a barren draw by Bidco United with the encounter between Ulinzi Stars and KCB also registering a similar outcome.
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