Gor claim the bragging rights in Mashemeji derby win

Gor claim the bragging rights in Mashemeji derby win

Gor Mahia claimed yet another pivotal win, pride, and the bragging rights over their eternal enemies AFC Leopards with a 2-1 victory in Sunday’s Mashemeji derby at a charged Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the 85th meeting between the two sides.

Lead striker Jacques Tuyisenge led the line with distinction putting K’Ogalo ahead in the 22nd minute with an assured finish but Ingwe clawed back in stoppage time of first-half  through a neat volley by Whyvonne Isuza.

The game continued to swing from end-to-end in the second half with both sets of fans sitting at the edge of their seats, not sure who would carry the day.

However, reincarnated George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, who in the last two years has morphed into a key pillar at Gor had the final word with a sharp drive to the bottom right corner, a beauty of a goal to break the resolve of Leopards who gave absolutely everything in the match.

Gor’s coach Dylan Kerr was however forced to make a substitituion in the 77th minute, with Tuyisenge being pulled out following the medics advice, and in his place came Francis Mustapha, the new Burundian signing, formerly of Kyovu FC in the Rwanda Premier League.

AFC Leopards Whyvonne Isuza(left) is joined by a team-mate in celebrating his goal during their Kenyan Premier League match – Mashemeji derby at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on July 22, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha.

So tense was the clash that at one time emotions ran high with Leopards defender Salim Abdalla and Humphrey Mieno engaging in a confrontation in the 71st minute, the latter going into referee Israel Mpaima’s book.

Francis Kahta, lively in the contest with his signature deft touches, came close in the 67th minute with a neat curled shot with his stronger left foot, forcing Leopards goalie Ezekiel Owade to a fine-dived save.

“My boys gave a good fight like everyday; there are no excuses.We had so many opportunities as well,” Leopards coach Zaapata Rodolf said after the match.

On Isuza’s neat strike, he said: “It was beautiful”.

Gor’s Dylan Kerr said: “I thought it was a great derby.Leopards played well. I told my players  ‘go there and play your game’. They(players) were brilliant, they were warriors today.”

Gor Mahia FC forward Jacques Tuyisenge (L) celebrates with fans after scoring against AFC Leopards SC during their Kenyan Premier league match debbed Mashemeji derby at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on July 22, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha

The win took Gor’s points tally to 52 at the summit of the league table from 20 matches, 16 ahead of fifth-placed Ingwe, and 12 more than second placed Sofapaka.

 

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AFC Leopards GOR MAHIA Mashemeji Derby Kasarani stadium. braagging rights Jacques Tuyisemge

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