Gor Mahia edge Homeboyz

courtesy of goal.com

Kakamega Homeboyzs’ chances of surviving in Kenyan Premier League were dealt a major blow after going down 1-0 to champions Gor Mahia at Kasarani on Sunday. The men from Kakamega needed a win badly to drag themselves off the drop zone, but the loss at the hands of the just crowned champions complicates their chances of avoiding the chop.

They threw everything at Gor Mahia and were only denied by inexperienced finishing, a stable Ivo Mapunda and at times, the cross bar. Gor knowing that the title was well secured in their cabinet played with a lot of comfort and Coach Bobby Williamson had the prestige of playing around with his starting line up.

Jerry Onyango, Israel Emuge, Kevin Omondi and Dan Sserunkuma were among the stars, who were rested for the tie as the likes of Ivan Anguyo, Solomon Nasio and Paul Odhiambo got a starting berth. The latter was tasked with proving his worth in attack, but he never succeeded as he failed to score in more than one occasion.

Edwin Lavatsa had a chance for the hosts in 18th minute but his effort from Moses Odhiambo’s pass was saved by Homeboyz goalie Collins Otieno, who had a superb game. On the opposite end, Homeboyz had a chance to break the deadlock but Keiphas Baraza struck over from Moses Mudavadi’s cross.

Lavatsa finally broke the deadlock in 37th minute with a well taken shot after beating the offside trap from Anthony Akumu’s pass. Three minutes later, roles changed with Lavatsa turning provider, but Odhiambo struck his shot straight to keeper Otieno.

Homeboyz were better in the second half as they increased the tempo on their attack. Moses Mudavadi had a decent chance for the visitors almst at restart but Ivo Mapunda saved with his feet after Mudavadi was flicked on by Andrew Kulecho.

Keiphas Baraza was denied by the bar in 55th minute after he tapped in a cross from skipper Titus Wamalwa. On the opposite end, Gor also tried to increase their lead with Paul Odhiambo tapping wide from Lavatsa’s cross and substitute Mungai Kiongera having a rasping left foot shot hit the bar.

Gor Mahia have now amassed 59 points with two matches to go while Homeboyz still languish at position 15 with 26 points, one off the safe zone.