Gor Mahia reduced the gap to four points between them and the joint FKF Premier League leaders, Kenya Police FC and Tusker FC, following a hard-fought 2-1 win against Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

The outcome marked a successful start for new Croatian coach Sinisa Mihic, who was appointed just three days ago to replace Brazilian Leonardo Martins Neiva.

However, Mihic’s debut was far from smooth, as it was Mathare United, the ‘Slum Boys’, who took the lead in the 15th minute through Ellie Asieche. The goal rattled K’Ogalo, who launched several attacks on Mathare’s goal in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute when Alphonse Omija bundled home a cross from Rooney Onyango, leveling the scores at 1-1 heading into the break.

The reigning champions looked more dominant in the second half, and in the 67th minute, Ghanaian import Enock Morrison found the back of the net to secure the win.

The victory pushed Gor Mahia into third place on the 18-team league table with 34 points, just four behind leaders Kenya Police and second-placed Tusker, who both have 38 points.

Earlier in the day, a top-of-the-table clash between Police and Tusker ended in a 0-0 draw.

Police have now gone unbeaten in their last 10 league matches since the appointment of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, recording 10 wins, eight draws, and just two defeats. The Brewers, on the other hand, have won 11 matches, drawn five, and lost four.

In another fixture, Bandari edged Sofapaka 1-0 at Mbaraki Sports Club to climb to fourth place, just two points behind Gor Mahia. Alfred Tanui scored the lone goal in the 37th minute to hand the Dockers their eighth win of the season. Sofapaka’s defeat saw them drop to ninth place with 25 points.

Elsewhere, Bidco United came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Nairobi City Stars. Gibert Abala had put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, but Bidco equalized just after the breakthrough Victor Eshishute in the 46th minute.