
Courtesy of michezoafrika.com
Gor Mahia are back on top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 win over defending champions Tusker FC in an entertaining match played at City Stadium on Sunday afternoon and graced by among others Prime Minister Raila Odinga and boxer Congestina Achieng.
Tusker won the first corner that was easily cleared by Gor defense. Then it was Gor Mahia’s turn when Anthony Akumu’s pass to Moses Odhiambo was intercepted for a corner that Sserunkuma had a poor touch of.
Chris Wekesa was next on the firing line. His left foot shot forced Boniface Oluoch to a fine fingertip save.
In the 8th minute Tusker won their second corner. Joseph Emeka’s well-placed header went straight to keeper Jerim Onyango’s gloves.
In the 12th minute, Ugandan Dan Sserunkuma brought ‘Tok Komwanda’ alive with a strong shot forcing keeper Boniface Oluoch into a fumble that would gift Gor Mahia the lead.
Keeper Jerim Onyango then twice came to Gor Mahia rescue.First Patrick Kagogo aimed with a long cross that he punched then Ken Wendo followed up with a ferocious shot that he also saved.
Both coaches then made a substitution. Tusker’s Joseph Emeka was pulled off for Joshua Oyoo while Gor brought in David Owino for Donald Mosoti.
Six minutes to the break, Dan Sserunkuma latched on to a pass from Moses Odhiambo before unleashing a stinging shot that Boniface Oluoch saved.
Tusker’s Patrick Kagogo made way for Joseph Mbugi immediately after the restart before Tusker went into attack mode. Ivan Anguyo’s back pass header caused a scare at Gor Mahia backline but Jerim Onyango intercepted before the marauding Ken Wendo could pounce.
Ali Abondo cross in the 52nd minute was spilt by Boniface Oluoch for a corner that went begging.
Robert Matano then decided to charge up his arsenal with David Nyanzi coming on for the unusually quiet Dennis Mukaisi.
Anguyo’s 62nd minute shot from a loose ball gave Boniface Oluoch another chance to prove why he is an international keeper.
In the 64th minute,a foul on an advancing Joshua Oyoo by David Owino won Tusker a free kick at the edge of the box but David “Cheche” Ochieng header went over the bar.
A minute later, action was on the opposite end. Edwin Lavatsa would had doubled the lead but Oluoch was alert to save the deflected shot.
Coach Zdravko Logarusic then brought in Kevin Omondi for Joseph Njuguna.
Ken Wendo was presented with a good opportunity in the 72nd minute but he could not keep his shot low. A one on one situation then ensued on the other end. Lavatsa picked a cross from Serunkuma but defender Shikokoti managed to close him down and ensure his shot never troubled Oluoch.
Logarusic’s last dice was Moses Otieno who came on for Moses Odhiambo.Four minutes to the end ,Jerim Onyango pulled a fantastic save to deny Peter Opiyo who had chiseled a great shot. Any spill would have been an early Christmas gift for David Nyanzi who lurked inside the box.
The result means Gor Mahia who now have 55 points just need to win their two remaining matches to be crowned champions. Tusker and AFC Leopards are tied on 54 points.
Tuskers next match is a trip to Western Stima then a final match against City Stars.Gor Mahia will visit Muhoroni before winding up their campaign at City Stadium against Thika United.