Plucky Gor halt Sofapaka, put Bandari on notice

Gor Mahia FC brought Sofapaka FC back to earth with a 1-0 victory thanks to Samuel Onyango’s sublime first half winner at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

Victory for Gor snapped Sofapaka’s five-match winning run as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions soared

Frederick Odhiambo justified his return to the starting line-up with some alert goalkeeping on a day when Gor’s number one Boniface Oluoch was completely left out of the match-day squad after weeks of stinging criticism on his performance.

In the day’s early kick-off at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Sony Sugar were 1-0 winners over KCB FC thanks to Robert Achema’s first half strike while Mathare United wasted the chance to reclaim top spot after playing to a barren draw away at Zoo Kericho FC.

After a nervous opening quarter characterised by sloppy pieces of play, Gor finally created the first real opportunity but Jacques Tuyisenge produced a shocking miss from point blank range.

Defender Philemon Otieno had found him with a pin-point cross after a drag-back by Kenneth Muguna but the striker headed off target despite getting a solid contact on the ball from just six yards out.

Sofapaka almost found the opening but Odhiambo excellently read the play to come off his lines and thwart Umaru Kasumba after Piston Mutamba and Ellie Asieche had combined well to teed him up.

It was Gor that drew first blood with Muguna initiating a sweeping move, finding space in a tight area to pick out Tuyisenge with a pass. The Rwandan was alert to spot Onyango’s run into the area and quickly released the ball.

The pacy winger took one deft touch to bring the ball down under his control and placed it beyond goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana and into the far post for a truly delightful finish.

Looking to hit back instantly, Sofapaka cut Gor open on the other end after a series of play outside the area freed Asieche but Odhiambo was again quick off his lines to clear danger.

Nicholas Kipkirui’s flick then created space for Tuyisenge to run into with the ball. He chose to roll it on the path of Odhiambo but the winger’s looped attempt was poorly executed and Ndikumana was able to collect for an easy save.

It ended 1-0 in favour of the champions at half time and it was the champions that threatened first at the restart thanks to a pair of headed attempts from Kipkirui. He should have converted with his second from close range although it was ruled offside much to his delight.

Collated Results

KCB 0-1 Sony Sugar

Sofapaka 0-1 Gor Mahia

Zoo Kericho 0-0 Mathare United