Keli misses from the spot as Ushuru thwart Gor

Keli misses from the spot as Ushuru thwart Gor

Jacob Keli missed a second half penalty for SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia as Ushuru FC held them to a 0-0 draw at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday evening.

Midfielder Khalid Aucho was also taken off the pitch with suspected concussion in the first half as injury woes piled on the titleholders who rose to eighth on 11 points after the stalemate with Ushuru remaining 12th two points adrift.

Keen to record a third successive victory since former Brazil international, Ze Maria, took charge K’Ogalo who were missing four regular starters started on a high tempo, keeping Ushuru’s custodian Shanan Odhoji busy from the first whistle but the custodian put a man-of-the match performance to rescue the point for his side in the end.

He had to punch out a Keli’s diving header in the fifth after the forward seeked to profit from Karim Nizigiyamana’s cross.

Edmond Murai wasted the rebound before Francis Kahata powered another shot that went wide as the taxmen’s goal came under siege.

Innocent Wafula found Murai again in the box but Odhoji denied the replacement forward that came in with record signing and Rwandese international, Jacques Tuyisenge who was out injured.

A minute later Keli wasted a real chance shooting wide with Odhoji well beaten.

Ushuru responded with Charles Okwemba’s free kick just outside the box that went straight to keeper Boniface Oluoch who was starting for the second game in a row.

Dennis Wafula then missed the target by a whisker when he headed Okaka Azizi’s cross towards goal to spare the champions.

Ze Maria was forced to substitute Aucho with Earnest Wendo in the 39th, after the Uganda Cranes midfielder fell awkwardly when vying for a high ball with Dennis Marasowe in the box.

After the break Gor who were also missing Enoch Agwanda upfront then spurned the best opportunity to break the deadlock after Jacob Keli was brought down inside the box on 50 minutes by Roy Okal.

The former AFC Leopards and Nkana Red Devils striker dismayed the Green Army when he picked himself up and sent a feeble effort straight to Odhoji who made the comfortable save to keep his side in it.

It turned more difficult for K’Ogalo when Ushuru boss Ken Kenyatta brought on Maurice Odipo for Azizi, tightening the midfield while adding some mettle upfront six minutes later.

Amos Nondi was then introduced for Wafula in the 61st but made little difference in Gor’s right wing and 10 minutes later George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo came on as Ze Maria frantically searched for the a winner.

Roosevelt Blaty rested Erick Okoth for Ushuru late in the second half but neither team could get the breakthrough.

Tags:

GOR MAHIA Ushuru FC Jacob Keli SportPesa Premier League

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