Alpha Onyango produced another moment of brilliance to spare Gor Mahia from defeat, scoring an 88th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Nairobi United at Wang’uru Stadium on Sunday.

Gor Mahia were forced to settle for a point in Mwea after once again failing to overcome a Nairobi United side that has developed a reputation as one of their most difficult opponents in recent meetings.

The result extended Gor Mahia’s frustrating run against the Naibois, who remain unbeaten against the record Kenyan champions in their four competitive encounters, having registered two victories and two draws.

For the second time in recent encounters, Onyango proved to be Gor Mahia’s unlikely saviour, stepping forward when the team desperately needed inspiration. His late intervention rescued a point, but it also exposed the difficulties the defending champions continue to experience in their pursuit of consistency.

Nairobi United, meanwhile, came agonizingly close to recording their first league victory of the 2026/27 campaign.

The visitors had made a promising start and took the lead in the 15th minute through Joseph Seremba. The goal came from a quick transition after Bernard Ouma recovered possession and released Ovella Ochieng, who used his pace and close control to get past Shariff Musa before squaring the ball for Seremba to finish past Byrne Omondi.

Nairobi United’s approach caused Gor Mahia considerable problems. Patrick Aussems’ charges were disciplined without the ball and looked particularly dangerous whenever they broke forward. They went into the half-time break with their advantage intact, having frustrated the champions’ attempts to establish attacking rhythm.

Gor Mahia returned for the second half needing a response, prompting Charles Akonnor to make changes as he searched for a way back into the game. Ebenezer Assifuah, Paul Okoth and Patrick Esombe were introduced to inject fresh energy into the attacking department.

However, Nairobi United remained a threat on the counter, with Mark Kithome coming close to extending their advantage. His effort was stopped by Frank Odhiambo, who made an important defensive intervention to keep K’Ogalo within reach.

The hosts gradually increased their pressure, with Assifuah missing a headed opportunity from a Shariff Musa delivery. Onyango also came agonisingly close when his powerful effort from distance struck the woodwork, leaving goalkeeper Bernard Jairo beaten.But the Harambee Stars midfielder was not finished.

With Nairobi United seemingly on course for a historic victory, Onyango took advantage of a goalkeeping error by Jairo, who gifted him possession after a clearance. Spotting the goalkeeper away from his line, the midfielder produced an audacious long-range effort that sailed into the net to make it 1-1 in the closing stages.

The equaliser sparked celebrations among the travelling Green Army, who had made the journey to Wang’uru in large numbers to support their team.

The result carries mixed implications for the two sides. Gor Mahia moved to 13 points, drawing level with KCB at the top of the SportPesa League standings, with both sides also tied on goal difference. However, the champions will know that dropping points in matches where they are expected to collect maximum points could complicate their title defence.

Sunday’s encounter also highlighted the challenge facing Akonnor’s men as they seek to rediscover the consistency that delivered their record-extending 22nd league title last season. Avoiding defeat is important, but the champions will need more than late individual brilliance to sustain their ambitions.

On a day when other league fixtures also produced dramatic results, Bandari finally ended their winless start with a 1-0 victory over Tusker in Mbaraki, while Kenya Police fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kakamega Homeboyz. Murang’a SEAL also recovered from a two-goal deficit to share the spoils with Ulinzi Stars.