This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
Gor Mahia kicked off the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League season in style, thrashing Tusker 5-2 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, August 31, 2019.
The defending champions were quick to assert their dominance, with Nicholas Kipkirui scoring the opening goal in the 25th minute. Kenneth Muguna, Boniface Omondi, and Charles Momanyi added to K'Ogalo's scoresheet, with Boniface Muchiri scoring two goals for Tusker.
Despite Tusker's efforts, Gor Mahia's Dickson Ambundo's pass to Kipkirui proved to be the turning point in the match. The English custodian, Steven Pollack, acknowledged that glaring mistakes cost his side, but he was pleased with the three points.
Pollack also noted the impact of his substitutions, which brought in Nicholas Kipkirui for Kennedy thanks to a hamstring strain. The move paid off, and Kipkirui's goal proved to be a crucial one.
The second half saw Gor Mahia's Muguna score through a penalty in the 61st minute, followed by another penalty in the 75th minute. Muchiri completed his brace with an equaliser in the 75th minute, but Gor Mahia's Boniface Omondi made the fans go crazy with his superb strike, breaking Gor's record against the Brewers and adding a fifth to make it 5-2.
Gor Mahia next face USM Alger in the Caf Confederations Cup before resuming league duties, while Tusker take on Bandari FC at Ruaraka Grounds.
