Two early goals by Kenya international Benson Omalla helped Gor Mahia beat KCB 2-1 in the FKF Premier League opening fixture played on Saturday at the Thika sub-county stadium.
There were debuts for Dennis Ng’ang’a and Peter Luwassa for Gor Mahia while James Mazembe got his debut for last season’s runners-up.
Omalla who has not had a good time at K’Ogalo pounced on a rebound to slot home his first of the day in the 7th minute of the game. The youngster reacted fast to Samuel Onyango’s curling shot that hit the upright to send the Gor Mahia bench in frenzy.
Two minutes later, he rose highest to nod home Lwassa’s corner kick and stretch the lead.
In the 28th minute however, a mistake by captain Haron Shakava gifted KCB a goal and it was former Kibera Blackstars man Henry Onyango who was at it, firing from close range off a Derrick Otanga assist.
Gor Mahia coach Mark Harisson who admitted before the match that his team needed a better preseason couldn't have asked more from his team and was full of praise for them at the end of the match.
" I am glad to start the season with a win in such a tough fixture. We would have scored at least four goals but it is okay for them to be wasteful as they are yet to adapt to the football I want them to play," said Harisson.
In another match, Brian Yakhama converted a late penalty to hand new boys Takanta their first point in the top flight as they held Wazito FC to a 1-1 draw.Wazito scored their goal in the 18th minute of the first half when Michael Owino finished off a nice Kevin Kimani delivery.