- AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia 2-1
- This was their first victory since March 2016
- The win dented Gor Mahia’s title hopes
AFC Leopards earned their first win over arch rivals Gor Mahia in seven years, edging out their bitter rivals 2-1 in the Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Maxwell Otieno scored the winning goal for AFC two minutes to halftime, as they savored derby day joy, while denting Gor Mahia’s title bid.
The result was not only a joy to AFC but their former coach Robert Matano as well, as it helps his current employers Tusker FC breathe easy top of the standings. They remain a point above Gor with four rounds to play.
“We didn’t use our chances today and in football when you do that, you are punished. I think we did everything quite okay and dominated the game. Other than the two goals, I don’t remember any other danger AFC caused us,” said Gor Mahia’s coach Jonathan McKinstry.
He added; “ We now have two weeks to prepare before we face Tusker in what will be a big match and I believe we will work on the things that didn’t work well for us and we can be better prepared.”
Benson Omalla misses penalty
K’Ogalo were left ruing missed chances, including a Benson Omalla penalty as they suffered defeat to their rivals.
Former AFC man Austin Odhiambo had been a thorn in their flesh from the start, as he constantly marauded their backline. He had a good chance with a shot from range, which went straight to the keeper’s arms.
He had another brilliant effort on the volley, when a corner from Dennis Njire found him well placed at the edge of the six yard box, but his swing went wide.
Gor had a great opportunity to draw level when they were awarded a penalty after Peter Lwasa had been appended inside the box by keeper Levis Opiyo. However, Omalla, Gor Mahia’s top scorer, placed his penalty wide.
They were made to pay eight minutes later from similar position.
Omune gave Leopards the lead in the 34th minute converting from the penalty spot after Otieno had been axed inside the box by Sylvester Owino.
Odhiambo equalizes for Gor
K’Ogalo however equalized in the 39th minute, Odhiambo scoring against his former employers when he flicked in a header from Dennis Ng’ang’a’s corner.
Ingwe however went to the break noses up when Otieno rose to head home at the backpost from a Eugene Mukangula corner.
In the second half, the tempo of the game remained high and Opiyo had to make another brilliant save eight minutes after the restart to keep out Odhiambo’s effort from point blank.
Two minutes later, Otieno was sent through on goal by Mukangula, but he could not get the ball past keeper Gad Mathews.
Despite concerted efforts by Gor pinning Leopards in their own half and dumping ball inside the box, Leopards defended well to see off the victory, that comes as good news to Tusker FC who remain top of the table.
AFC will now switch their attention to next weekend’s FKF Cup semi-final against Bandari FC while Gor will have two weeks to prepare for Tusker as they were bundled out of the Cup.
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