Tuyisenge on target as Gor storm back to top

Jacques Tuyisenge was on target as Gor Mahia FC edged Vihiga United 1-0 to return to the summit of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) on Saturday.

It was the perfect way for the champions to warm up for the first leg CAF Confederation Cup play-offs against Supersport United who visit the country on Friday.

Vihiga goalkeeper Barnabas Tiema put in a monster shift between the sticks and was in the end the reason why the scoreline spelled out kindly for the visitors who suffered constant onslaughts from Gor.

Gor coach Dylan Kerr lauded his charges for the good display, noting the numerous chances created they created was proof of their hunger for goals.

“I’m concerned by the missed chances, but keen on those we created. We do this even better in training, and the urge to replicate the same in matches is evident, although we have not done it to our full potential,” Kerr noted, adding his charges are getting ready for Supersport.

Edward Manoah’s charges registered the first real threat in the 20th when captain Charles Okwemba’s well floated ball went just inches over the crossbar.

The veteran attacking midfielder had been set up by Chris Masinza from the left channel, before looping it over Joash Onyango to execute the attempt.

In the 25th, Gor captain Harun Shakava almost grabbed the opener with an improvised header following a scramble at Vihiga’s goalmouth but Dennis Ombeva was on hand to make the goal-line clearance much to the disappointment of the K’Ogalo faithful who were already celebrating.

Francis Kahata was doing the donkey work in the midfield, thwarting any promising build up by the visitors while connecting Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere partnered upfront.

At the half hour mark, Tiema parried out George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo’s corner and the ball landed on Kagere’s path but the Rwandan striker could not beat the former Sofapaka custodian from the rebound.

Gor’s hopes to break the deadlock before the break went up to the smoke when Tuyisenge’s header from Kahata’s free kick cruised over the crossbar, with Tiema beaten to seal a barren stalemate.

The rhythm was the same upon resumption, Gor commanding the proceedings as defensive Vihiga sought to hit on counter.

Breakthrough came in the 56th, when Kahata ran on the right flank before cutting back to find unmarked Tuyisenge, who made no mistake shooting home from the box.

Kerr was determined to add more, bringing on Ivorian Ephrem Guikan, Kelvin Omondi and Innocent Wafula for Samuel Onyango, George Odhiambo and Kagere but calm Vihiga rose above the challenge.

Guikan was particularly lethal, testing Tiema with fierce shots on several occasions but was unlucky not to find the back of the net.

KPL RESULTS

FRIDAY

Mathare United 1-0 Chemelil Sugar

SATURDAY

Nzoia United 1-0 Sony Sugar

Posta Rangers 3-1 Thika United

Gor Mahia 1-0 Vihiga United

Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 Bandari FC

Nakumatt fc 0-2 Sofapaka FC

K. Sharks 0-1 Ulinzi Stars

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Gor Mahia FC KPL Vihiga United

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