K’Ogalo extend dominance over arch rivals Ingwe
Gor Mahia maintained their dominance over their arch-rivals AFC Leopards after beating them 1-0 in a pulsating Mashemeji Derby at Moi Kasarani Stadium yesterday.
Cheered by an estimated 20,000 fans among them President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leader Raila Odinga, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi among others, both teams displayed a touch of class to conform their status as the country’s senior sides.
Gor, who seem to have made it a routine to beat Leopards scored the winning goal inside 27 minutes through dazzling winger Boniface Omondi.
Surprisingly, it was Leopards who created most chances especially in the first half in which Gor defence looked depleted.
Leopards had the first sniff at goal in the third minute, Elvis Rupia making a dizzying run on the left flank only for the Gor goalkeeper to make a finger-tip save which yielded an unfruitful corner kick.
Clifford Miheso would have given Gor the lead three minutes later but dithered with the chance from 16 yards out.
Gor would later display fluidity in midfield led by Muguna and their nerves would have been calmed had Nicholas Kipkirui got an inviting pass from Charles Momanyi in the 18th minute.
Leopards’ display towards their opponents goalmouth was also solid but their defence cracked, Boniface Omondi latching onto a corner kick by Miheso to beat Ingwe goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, sending Gor fans into a delirium.
Minutes later, Rupia, who was a thorn in the flesh of Gor defence, made an unbelievable miss when he fired straight into the waiting hands of Boniface Oluoch in a goalmouth melee.
A pulsating game ensued with Leopards’ Collins Shichenje’s final delivery going agonisingly wide moments after Robinson Kamura missed the target with a free-kick.
In the 12th minute, Muguna, who took the unusual role to lead most of Gor forays up front, made a menacing run yet again with Kamura clearing the danger.
The last few minutes belonged to Gor, then enjoying tactical acumen, Omondi first missing with half-volley in the 64th minute followed by Kipkirui misfiring on the edge of the box.
Leopards also had their chances at the juncture but squandered them with two coming off the feet of Vincent Oburu and Rupia.
Leopards coach Anthony “Modo” Kimani said his charges played well and blamed bad luck for the result.
“There was some element of mental alertness and I was happy that they did not lose focus even after conceding. As I said before, we are still a work in progress and should not be derailed but this defeat,” said Kimani.
Gor coach Steve Polack was elated to win one against one of their toughest rivals. He said: “This one was tough than the last and I salute our opponents for giving us a good game.”
