Gor Mahia pip arch-rivals as Mathare stun Sofapaka and Police register first premier league win
Gor Mahia survived a mighty scare to beat traditional rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 at Kasarani Stadium during the 90th Mashemeji Derby with the dominance of six years still intact.
The lone goal was scored by Boniface Omondi in the 42nd minute after he capitalized on the opponents defensive lapse to score from a tight-angle.
On a day when seven mid-week matches were played, Mathare United stunned Sofapaka 2-1 at Thika Stadium, while promoted side Kenya Police who have assembled a star studded side picked their first win of the season by beating Nzoia 3-1 and Posta Rangers continued with their fairy tale as they beat Bandari 2-0 in Mombasa.
Another league debutant Talanta forced favourites KCB to a 1-1 draw and Kariobangi Sharks had no mercy on Vihiga Bullets, beating them 3-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.
Former Harambee Stars winger Danson ‘Willian’ Kago scored both Mathare United’s goals in the first half before Joe Waithera pulled one back for Sofapaka.
At Mbaraki Sports Grounds, Bandari lost their 100 per cent record after a surprise 2-0 loss to visiting Posta Rangers.
Eliud Lokuwam and Victor Ndinya were the destroyers in Chief as the mailmen caused a mighty upset on the road with Stanley Okumbi’s side now on six points same as Bandari who have a slightly better goal difference.
First half goals from of new signings John Mark Makwatta 27th minute, Clifton Miheso 41st minute and Eric Kipkirui 45th were enough to steer Police past Nzoia who had their consolation goal from Gaetano Masha in the dying minutes.
Gor Mahia head coach Mark Harrison who was facing his first derby, looked relieved and happy with the result after the final whistle.
“ We did what we could and we earned the big result. It was a tight encounter but I am happy with the win against our rivals.
We were wasteful and I was getting very concerned since we could not kill the match, but we take the result positively and move forward to plan for our second leg CAF Confederations Cup matcht,” he said.
Leopards suffered from inexperience while Gor Mahia defended with their lives even as the strike force was wasteful.
Sandob Yangayay and Sammy Onyango were guilty of missing very open chances.
