Gor lay the marker with demolition of hapless Nakumatt

Record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia opened their 2018 campaign with a resounding 4-0 thumping of FC Nakumatt, Meddie Kagere striking thrice at the Machakos Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.

Wellington Ochieng scored the fourth goal as the campaign for their 17th title kicked off in style, in yet another warm up to the Caf-Champions League opener against Equitoria Guinea’s Vegetarions.

The first stanza was quite a lackluster, with both teams frustrating each other’s attempts in the final third hence the lone goal heading to the break.

It came in the 14th, when Kagere lost his marker on the left channel to dash into the box before burrying the ball home past a diving goalkeeper Lucas Indeche.

Nakumatt’s skipper John Njoroge and veteran defender Noah Abich were instrumental in thwarting Kagere and Humphrey Mieno’s multiple attempts within the first half-hour.

Despite commanding possession, converting goals was the major concern for K’Ogalo, with Francis Kahata and newcomer Samuel Onyango perfectly doing the midfield job, behind them reinforced by Earnest Wendo.

Upon resumption, Gor head coach Dylan Kerr’s wisdom in the dressing room appeared to work wonders, with Kagere completing his brace in the 54th by connecting in a low cross within the box past the former AFC Leopards custodian.

Kerr then brought on Cercidy Okeyo for Wendo, as Gor showed the real champion character with brilliant runs against overwhelmed Nakumatt.

With only ten minutes on the clock, Kagere sealed his hat-trick with an easy tap-in in the six-yard box, a goal that appeared to suck all the remaining energy of the opponents.

Before the celebration dust could settle, Ochieng was assisted by substitute Boniface Omondi to complete the rout in the 82nd minute, with almost the rest of the time spent at Nakumatts goalmouth.

Elsewhere, at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Ulinzi Stars started their 2018 campaign on a winning note gunning down visiting Zoo Kericho 4-2.

The soldiers fired their winning goals through Enosh Ochieng’s second-minute goal, Cliff Kasuti (13th), Daniel Waweru(45th) and Masuta Masika at the hour-mark, while Zoo pulled theirs through Nicholas Kirui (34th) and Mike Madonya.

In another match, also played at the same venue, AFC Leopards failed to convert the many chances that came their way drawing 1-1 draw with Posta Rangers.

Ingwe opened their account in the sixth minute when Brian Marita drove home past goalkeeper Patrick Matasi but Rangers responded in the 43rd minute through new signing Danson Kago.

Summarised Results

Ulinzi 4-2 Zoo Kericho

Chemelil Sugar 2-0 Tusker FC

Gor Mahia 4-0 Nakumatt FC

Nzoia United 0-1 Kariobangi Sharks

Wazito FC 1-0 Sony Sugar