Gor claim slender first leg advantage over Douala at Kasarani

Rwandan import Jacques Tuyisenge scored a classy winner as Gor Mahia FC defeated New Stars de Douala 2-1 to seize first leg advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup playoff on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Gor had dragged themselves into a hole, allowing their Cameroonian opponents to score from what was perhaps their only chance of the evening but dug themselves out with a superb late show.

The hosts had gone into the lead courtesy of Lawrence Juma’s first half goal but were pegged back when Benjamin Bechem turned home a free-kick in the 72nd minute.

It was a punishing setback for Gor who had blown chance after chance but they refused to let heads drop, recharging to restore their lead thanks to Tuyisenge’s glorious headed finish.

Having conceded at home, Gor will have to avoid the atrocious path that has been so costly to them in  this tournament. To achieve this, they will have to be at their best defensively away if they are to edge the Cameroonians and make it to the group stage where some Ksh. 26 million awaits the winner of this two-leg tie.

In the Caf Champions League for instance, they hit Lobi Stars of Nigeria 3-1 at Kasarani only to  lose it all after conceding two late goals away to bow out on away goal rule and miss the Ksh. 56 million that had been within reach.

With the tie balanced at 1-1 and needing a goal, Gor head coach Hassan Oktay and his technical bench were booed by the home support for subbing off Boniface Omondi and Francis Kahata but were vindicated as their replacements Samuel Onyango and George Odhiambo quickly revitalized the team.

Ugandan striker Erissa Ssekisambu, who replaced Francis Mustapha, also made a positive impact and had an effort come off the foot of the post. He also created a golden opportunity for Tuyisenge to bury the game late on but the Rwandan international took a heavy touch and the keeper picked it up to clear the danger.

Omondi was outstanding on the day, creating numerous chances for his teammates and constantly running through the visiting defence but was often let down by his own poor finishing.

The diminutive winger should have scored from a well-worked free-kick routine but the ball went inches wide with Kahata also blazing over from the edge of the area minutes later.

LINEUP:

29. Boniface Oluoch, 26. Philemon Otieno, 6. Shafik Batambuze, 15. Joachim Oluoch, 27. Charles Momanyi, 20. Ernest Wendo, 8. Francis Kahata, 24. Lawrence Juma, 11. Boniface Omondi, 23. Francis Mustafa, 9. Jacques Tuyisenge

SUBSTITUTES
1. Fredrick Odhiambo, 5. Pascal Ogweno, 4. Wellington Ochieng, 3. Samuel Onyango, 10. Cercidy Okeyo, 22. Erisa Ssekisambu, 25. George Odhiambo