- Omalla has now scored four goals against Leopards
- Ingwe remain winless after six matches
- Gor are unbeaten so far this season
Gor Mahia retained their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season after seeing off arch rivals AFC Leopards 2-0 in the Mashemeji Derby at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.
Benson Omalla scored a goal in either half for K’Ogalo, earning them derby bragging rights as Leopards’ early season struggles continued, as they remain winless after six matches.
“I think we played really well and the game was decided by mistakes. Sometimes you can play well and fail to win and it was the same for us. Had we taken some of the chances we had, I think the game would have turned out differently,” said Tom Juma, the AFC Leopards head coach.
He added; “I understand there is pressure because we have not won. But football is a game of pressure and I am not immune to it. But I am confident that we will turn these results around.”
His opposite number Jonathan McKinstry said he was delighted to win his first derby, having drawn one and lost the other last season.
“It is a great feeling of course, beating your biggest rivals in such a game. It is good for the supporters and the board as well to enjoy this. We had a good game and deserved to win,” noted the Irishman.
Omalla scores opener in first half
Kennedy Onyango of Gor Mahia battles for the ball with AFC Leopards’ Brian Yakhama
Omalla scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute off a counter, after Gor successfully defended a corner. The forward had picked up a brilliant through ball from Austine Odhiambo before chipping over keeper Levis Opiyo who had come racing off his line.
Before the goal, Omalla had another chance as early as the third minute when he picked up the ball from a ricocheted rebound but his well placed shot was saved brilliantly by Opiyo.
Leopards also had chances to score but couldn’t land a good shot on target.
They had some two back to back chances in the 17th and 20th minutes. First, a cross from Cliff Nyakeya landed on Boniface Kweyu at the edge of the box but the latter’s shot on the volley flew over.
Three minutes later, Victor Otieno who had been electric in the first few minutes had a go at goal from distance with a well taken shot which Kevin Omondi parried behind for a corner.
In the second half, Gor were faster off the blocks and just quarter of an hour in, they had doubled their lead.
Austin Odhiambo was provider once again, dancing his way on the right before slapping in a low cross that was easily tapped home by Omalla for his second.
Almost hatrick for Omalla
Kevin Juma of Gor Mahia passes the ball under pressure from Robert Kweyu of AFC Leopards
He should have had a hattrick minutes later, when he used his pace to latch onto a long ball. His strong volley was punched by Opiyo, and he ran onto the rebound but he struck it over.
Juma made changes for AFC, bringing on Hassan Beja and Jaffary Owiti for Cliff Nyakeya and Miheso.
In response, Gor’s Jonathan McKinstry refreshed his midfield, bringing in Ernest Wendo, Rodgers Ouma and Alpha Onyango for Kevin Juma, Lawrence Juma and Patrick Sibomana.
Ingwe had a late chance to make for a nervous ending, but substitute Maxwell Otieno saw his effort brilliantly kept out by goallie Omondi.
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