Gor Mahia FC head coach Johnathan McKinstry has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to win the league this season.

The Irish manager commented after the record Kenyan champions held off a strong attack to claim a 2-0 over FC Talanta at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

Boniface Omondi, a quick-footed attacking midfielder, placed K’Ogalo ahead in the 57th minute before Austin Odhiambo clinched the victory in the 68th.

The win kept Gor top the Kenyan Premier League rankings, where they had 31 points, four more than second-placed KCB, who beat Police 2-1 at Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday.

McKinstry stated that they will battle tooth and nail to win a second consecutive title.

“All we need to do is to maintain a consistent performance in our remaining matches. I believe our players have what it takes to win the title again this season,” McKinistry remarked.

He praised his team for showing outstanding spirit in defeating Talanta.

“I must appreciate the boys for giving a good account of themselves against a well-drilled opponent,” McKinistry stated.

“There was a remarkable organisation on the pitch and all the departments functioned extremely well. We only need to sharpen our attacking force a little bit, just to ensure we nail all the opportunities we create in front of goal,” he added.

While McKinstry celebrated his team’s victory, his counterpart Ken Kenyatta reprimanded his troops for giving up easy goals.

“We need to be more alert, especially in our half. We witnessed some concentration lapses that proved costly at the end of the day,” Kenyatta remarked.

“Generally speaking, we had a fair match today. We were playing against the league leaders who also happen to be the defending champions and we had expected a tough encounter.”

“We hope to make the necessary amends before our next match, against Kariobangi Sharks, on Wednesday,” he added.

In other matches, Kariobangi Sharks drew 0-0 with Bidco United at the Police Sacco Stadium.

Tusker FC rekindled their title hopes with a comfortable 2-0 win against Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma, while AFC Leopards upset Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium. At the Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi City Stars defeated Ulinzi Stars 2-1.