Gor book KPL Top 8 semis date with Tusker

Gor Mahia’s record signing Jacques Tuyisenge scored the lone goal as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 defending champions edged past Ushuru FC 1-0 on Monday to leap into the last four of the knockout competition.

George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo came close to netting the opener in the tenth minute after being teed up by Tuyisenge but his shot was blocked by Dennis Wafula for a corner.

Ushuru were hard to break down, as they have been over their last six SportPesa Premier League (SPL) matches conceding only five goals in the process, and although forward Roosevelt Blaty looked lively they rarely tasted their opponent’s goal-mouth.

Tuyisenge should have done better as he headed over from a Blackberry cross in the 23rd minute before Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho saw his free-kick rattle against the bar a minute later.

Blackberry headed straight at custodian Shaban Odhoji from a few yards out after a well drilled cross from Eric Ouma as K’Ogalo labored to find a way past the Taxmen.

Gor were kept at bay for the entire first half but could not be stopped in the 59th minute as a quick one-two between Ouma and Tuyisenge opened up Ushuru’s defense for the former Police FC striker to score the opener through Odhoji’s legs.

Ushuru players mobbed the referee protesting that the goal should have been flagged offside but it stood.

Azizi Okaka almost pulled his side level but his cracker of a shot came off the post with keeper Jerim Onyango well beaten.
As the Taxmen’s surging runs forward persisted, Head Coach Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira replaced Blackberry with defender Abouba Sibomana late on as he looked to tighten the back.

Muhoroni Youth FC have been drawn against Ulinzi Stars in the first semi while Gor will play Tusker FC in the other.

The semifinals will be played over two legs with the finals of the tournament being played in Mombasa.