Gor Mahia temporarily opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the SportPesa League table as they maintained their flawless winning record, making it four victories from four matches this season after narrowly edging Kakamega Homeboyz 0-1.

Having won their previous two matches by the same scoreline, the same script unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at Bukhungu Stadium, where David Owino’s second-half strike ensured the record champions collected maximum points on the road.

The result means Gor have won all four of their opening fixtures, having kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL, followed by 1-0 wins against APS Bomet and Bandari FC.

Meanwhile, the hosts, who were playing only their third match of the season, suffered their first defeat.

The encounter was relatively cagey, with both sides managing the game well.

However, just 12 minutes in, a head-to-head collision involving former Homeboyz player Potipher Odhiambo and Timothy Ndayala forced both teams into early substitutions, with Wesley Otieno and Samwel Otieno coming on for the injured duo, respectively.

K’Ogalo registered their first meaningful effort on target a minute before the half-hour mark when Enock Machaka picked out Paul Okoth inside the box. The former Ulinzi Stars man unleashed a decent effort, but his shot went straight into Ibrahim Wanzala’s gloves.

Alpha Onyango came agonisingly close to scoring his fourth consecutive goal of the season in the 40th minute after Okoth delivered a dangerous inswinging cross.

Onyango’s close-range effort was parried back into play by Wanzala, and the rebound fell invitingly inside the box. Machaka was on hand to pounce, but he blazed his effort over the bar.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in a closely contested first half, the teams returned for the second period with Gor immediately resuming their search for an opener.

Just three minutes after the restart, Machaka, operating on the right, unleashed a teasing delivery that sailed across goal and crashed against the crossbar, denying him a spectacular goal as the ball bounced off the woodwork and back into play before being intercepted.

Homeboyz had their opportunity in the 52nd minute through Glen Otunga, whose effort from the right forced Katasi into action. The Gor Mahia goalkeeper got his gloves to the ball, tipping it behind for a corner, but the resulting set piece came to nothing.

Gor, who had enjoyed the better of the contest, finally broke the deadlock eight minutes after the hour mark.

Substitute Jackson Ndwang delivered a fine cross towards David Okoth on the left flank, where the unmarked forward cut onto his stronger left foot and unleashed a powerful strike into the to-left corner, leaving Wanzala beaten and handing his side the lead.

Despite squandering several promising opportunities, including chances that fell to Boniface Omondi, Homeboyz struggled to find the spark needed to restore parity.

Gor Mahia, meanwhile, remained resolute at the back to preserve their slender advantage and secure another valuable away victory.

Kakamega Homeboyz vs Gor Mahia: Round Four SportPesa League Line-ups

• Kakamega Homeboyz: Ibrahim Wanzala, Collins Odhiambo, Geofrey Simiti, Charles Saramu, Maurice Ojwang, Jackson Imbiakha, Glen Masava, Ibrahim Joshua, Timothy Ndayala (Samwel Otieno), Rodgers Ouma, Thomas Omolle.
• Gor Mahia: Humphrey Katasi, Bryton Onyona, Frank Odhiambo, Potipher Odhiambo (Wesly Otieno), Daniel Sakari, Alpha Onyango, Ebenezer Ocran, Shariff Musa, David Okoth, Enock Machaka, Paul Okoth.