Spot-on Gor make it three wins on the bounce

Spot-on Gor make it three wins on the bounce

Gor Mahia kept their perfect Kenyan Premier League (KPL) run rolling as they claimed a hard-earned 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to haul their points tally to nine, just one-shy of table-toppers Mathare United.

K’Ogalo, however, have a game in hand that could propel them to the apex of the standings of 12 points should they claim all the vital three points.

Samuel Onyango opened the accounts for K’Ogalo in the eighth minute, cutting into the middle to send a low shot past Kariobangi Sharks goalie John Oyemba but Sharks equalised in the 21st minute minute as Boniafce Oluoch howler allowed  Bolton Omwnega’s seemingly harmless free kick to roll in.

Gor, undeterred, pushed hard to get the match winner in the 71st minute through Ivorian Ephrem Guikan.

On the pitch, there was little sign of fatigue from Gor that has played four matches in the space of just 10 days as well with the result on Sunday meaning K’Ogalo have won all three of their opening fixtures.

Meddie Kagere and Ephrem Guikan both went close inside seven minutes with the former closed down by goalkeeper John Oyemba and his partner upfront heading just wide.

Ebrima Sanneh (L) of Kariobangi Sharks FC goes for aerial ball with Joash Onyango of Gor Mahia FC during their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on February 25, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha

Poor marking from Pascal Ogweno allowed Samuel Onyango to cut into the middle and send a low shot past goalkeeper John Oyemba to open the scores, igniting passion from the Green Army on the terraces.

Their celebrations had barely died down when a howler from Boniface Oluoch allowed Bolton Omwenga to restore parity as his free-kick went through the goalkeeper’s legs into the net when instead it should have been a simple save.

Joash Onyango then made a last-ditch intervention with a tackle to prevent Duke Abuya from giving Sharks the lead following neat interplay between Sven Yidah and Patilah Omoto.

The game had started on a high intensity and had been an open contest in the opening half hour with both sides enjoying their fair share of time on the ball.

A delightful flick from Onyango gave Guikan some sight on goal but the Ivorian took too long to control the ball and he was wrestled off it.

The post then came to the rescue of Sharks as Guikan’s powerful header came off the upright after he had been picked out by Onyango.

Fidel Origa and Abuya then combined well with the latter finding Ebrima Sanneh in the box. The Gambian attempted to place in the Oluoch’s far post but he missed it by inches.

Gor Mahia FC goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch reacts after conceding a goal against Timothy Omwenga of Kariobangi Sharks FC during their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on February 25, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha

It was the hosts’ turn to hit the post as Omoto saw his rasping shot from outside the 18-yard area come off the frame of the goal.

It ended all square at the break but Gor would need just 26 minutes after the restart to go 2-1 up as Guikan finally find put his name on the scoresheet.

It was all thanks to some brilliant hold up play from Meddie Kagere who drew defenders to the right and then cut it back for Guikan to tap into an empty net.

Mboya had come of his lines but had awfully mistimed the cross which fizzled between him and his defenders.

The hosts continued to fight but there was no way back as Gor found the answers to each of their subsequent attacks.

Collated Results

Kariobangi Sharks 1-2 Gor Mahia

AFC Leopards 2-1 Ulinzi Stars

Mathare United 3-1 Sofapaka

Zoo Kericho 2-1 Thika United

Tags:

machakos Kenyatta Stadium Gor Mahia kept perfect their Kenyan Premier League record with a 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories