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Okoth struck in the second half to settle a closely contested encounter at the Bukhungu Stadium, handing Gor their fourth consecutive victory and leaving Homeboyz with their first defeat of the campaign.

David Okoth returned to haunt his former club as Gor Mahia edged Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 on Wednesday to maintain their perfect start to the FKF Premier League season.

Okoth struck in the second half to settle a closely contested encounter at the Bukhungu Stadium, handing Gor their fourth consecutive victory and leaving Homeboyz with their first defeat of the campaign.

Both sides started with a 4-3-3 formation, but neither was willing to give much away in the opening stages.

Homeboyz had the first attempt when Jackson Imbiakha's second-minute free-kick went wide, before the hosts suffered an early setback when Timothy Ndayala was forced off after a head injury and replaced by Samuel Odaro Otieno.

Gor Mahia also made an early change after Potiphar Odhiambo was unable to continue following a head injury, with Lesley Otieno taking his place.

The visitors gradually began to threaten, with Thomas Omolle creating an opening after challenging his marker and delivering a cross that found no Gor player in the box. Sharif Musa also tried to break through, but Homeboyz's defence stood firm.

At the other end, Omolle continued to provide an outlet for Homeboyz, although Gor's backline repeatedly cut out their attacks.

Homeboyz came close to taking the lead when Abana Beingo delivered from the flank for Omole, but the forward sent his effort over the bar.

Gor then produced their most dangerous spell of the half. Alpha Chris Onyango's header was saved by Ibrahim Wanzala, with Enoch Machaka Momanyi reaching the rebound, only to fire wide.

Wanzala was again called into action when Paul Okoth tested him, but the Homeboyz goalkeeper held the effort and immediately looked to launch another attack.

Neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, with the teams going into the break level at 0-0.

Homeboyz had three attempts in the opening 45 minutes, including one on target, while Gor managed three shots, two of which were on target. The hosts also had three corners and eight fouls, while Gor committed seven fouls, with possession evenly split at 50 per cent each.

The second half followed the same pattern initially, with Glen Otunga Masava firing wide for Homeboyz before Gor won their first corner after Charles Momanyi cleared a cross from Paul Ochuoga.

Gor coach then turned to his bench, making a triple substitution that saw Ebenezer Assifuah, Ben Stanley Omondi and Jackson Dwang Mulla enter for Paul Okoth, Enock Machaka and Sharif Musa.

The changes soon paid off.

Jackson Dwang found Okoth, who created space on the left before firing past Wanzala to put Gor Mahia ahead 1-0.

Okoth removed his shirt during his celebration and was shown a yellow card.

Gor continued to threaten after taking the lead, with Ben Stanley involved in an attack that ended with Okoth's effort being deflected for another corner.

Homeboyz responded by introducing Clem Imbayi for Rodgers Ouma and later Zinedene Wesonga for Imbiakha as they searched for an equaliser.

The hosts came close on several occasions. Humphrey Katasi was forced to make a save from a Homeboyz effort, while Charles Momanyi headed the resulting corner away from danger.

Boniface Nyabuto then nearly levelled the contest, but Frank Odhiambo Onyango blocked his effort for another corner.

Momanyi had another opportunity from a corner when he found himself unmarked, but he could not direct his header on target.

Homeboyz continued pushing in the closing stages, with Boniface Omondi Bajaj denied by Katasi as Gor protected their narrow advantage.

The final whistle confirmed Gor Mahia's fourth straight victory of the season, while Homeboyz suffered their first defeat after going unbeaten in their opening three matches.

For Okoth, the winning goal carried extra significance as he punished his former employers and ensured Gor left Kakamega with maximum points.

Elsewhere, Bandari FC were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Posta Rangers. The Dockers failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Rangers held on for a point.