Gor spank Sofa, Leopards fire blanks

Gor spank Sofa, Leopards fire blanks

Gor Mahia’s well-oiled machine continued with its relentless march to the coveted Kenyan Premier League title spanking defiant Sofapaka 2-1 in a tight league contest at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday.

Reincarnated George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo once again carried his scoring boots to the match, opening the account in the ninth minute before Sofapaka’s golden boy Umaru Kasumbu pegged his side level in the 41st minute, his tenth goal of the campaign.

However, the ever green Rwandese import Meddie Kagere would have none of it, slotting in the winner for K’Ogalo in the 64th minute, to extend their lead at the apex of the log to 48 points, eight ahead of second placed Kakamega Homeboyz, with a game in hand.

In Nairobi, AFC Leopards failed to build on their Domestic Cup momentum drawing 0-0 with relegation threatened Mathare United at the Kasarani Stadium.

At the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Ulinzi Stars fired blanks against Thika United, settling for a similar scoreline.

AFC Leopards SC head coach Robert Matano instructs his charges during their quarter finals match against Wazito FC at Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on August 20, 2017. AFC Leopards SC won 7-1. Photo/Sportpicha
AFC Leopards SC head coach Robert Matano instructs his charges during their quarter finals match against Wazito FC at Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on August 20, 2017. AFC Leopards SC won 7-1. Photo/Sportpicha.

At Kasarani, Leopards goalie Ian Otieno was in inspired form, making save after save to prevent a Leopards side that was playing its second match in three days after knocking out Vihiga United in Sunday’s GOtv Shield semi-finals, from losing.

Fast start

Both sides created quick chances in the early minutes of the match but neither could fashion a goal following a fast start to the encounter.

Striker Alexis Kitenge, hero on Sunday, after his lone strike against Vihiga sent Leopards to the finals missed perhaps the best chance of the match in the 13th minute, spurning from one- on- one situation with Opiyo in the opposite goal.

The scraps from Opiyo’s save fell to Vincent Oburu but the striker blasted his effort high above the post.

After the restart, Leopards coach Robert Matano made double substitution resting the ineffective Samwel Mbungu for Marcellus Ingotsi, and brought on Whyvonne Isuza in place of Hezron Kizito.

Ingotsi made his presence felt almost instantly, pouncing on a loose ball in the midfield but his long range effort fizzled just wide off the mark. Moments later, Kitenge was teed up on goal but keeper Levis Opiyo came off his lines to clear the danger.

 Mathare United FC coach Francis Kimanzi reacts against AFC Leopards SC during their Sportpesa Premier League match at the Nyayo National stadium.IMAGE/SPORTPICHA.
Mathare United FC coach Francis Kimanzi reacts against AFC Leopards SC during their Sportpesa Premier League match at the Nyayo National stadium.IMAGE/SPORTPICHA.

Mathare United’s tactician Francis Kimanzi also responded making his first change of the afternoon, replacing Elijah Mwanzia with Chris Ochieng, as he sought to reinforce his attacking force.

The hosts won a free-kick on the wide left but Cliff Nyakeya’s ball was headed clear. A Leopards counter was broken after Isuza was pulled back by Lennox Ogutu.

Summarised Results

Gor Mahia 2-1 Sofapaka

Mathare united 0-0 AFC Leopards -Kasarani

Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Thika United-Afraha, Nakuru

Additional reporting by Isaac Swila

Tags:

GOR MAHIA sofapaka Meddie kagere Kenyan Premier League kisumu Moi Stadium Umaru Kasumba

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