Gor Mahia News

Scorer: Collins Okoth Gattuso

Much to the relief for fans everywhere, Gor Mahia recovered to beat Nairobi City Stars 2-1. It look late goals from returnees Haron Shakava and a late one from Collins Okoth to deliver all three points. It was atimely win for a team that has struggled in the past two games. For coaxch Ze Maria it was a relief as some fans had started to doubt him especially his ability to create a partnership between Tuyisenge and Kagere.

Additional reporting from goal.com
K’Ogalo came into the match after two successive draws knowing they had to start winning if they have real intentions of successfully defending their title, with the Kawangware-based side also aware of relegation threats considering their unpleasant position in the log.

The match started on a high note as both sides fought for an early opener, and it could have been Gor Mahia, who had scored in the 5th minute as Erick Ouma found Meddie Kagere in the danger zone, but his flick went inches wide.

Jimmy Bageya narrowly missed the target in the 11th minute, as he danced his way past the defenders. It was a wake up call for the champions, who found it hard against the opponents’ well organized midfield. But the opener came in the 22nd minute thanks to Haron Shakava, who scrambled the goal home after a well taken free-kick by Karim Nizigiyimana.

However, the lead lasted for less than 90 seconds as City Stars hit back courtesy of Ezekiel Odera, who took full advantage of Gor Mahia’s lapses at the back. In the 43rd minute, Olivier Maloba was fed the ball after a nice move in the left wing, but shot straight at Boniface Oluoch despite having many options.

In the second half, City Stars started strongly and Shakava was forced into a game saving tackle to deny Mageya who was sure to beat him, and the former was cautioned. The introduction of Baron Oketch increased the tempo upfront for the champions as they won two consecutive corners in the 50th minute, but bore no fruits.

Five minutes later, Meddie Kagere wasted a glorious opportunity. Nizigiyimana floated in a cross from the right, but the Rwandan headed over the bar. It was pressure after pressure from K’Ogalo, who were keen on getting three points, but resolute City Stars defense ensured it does not happen.

The winner however, came in the stoppages as substitute Enock Agwanda threw his trademark long ball towards the goal, and Collins Okoth managed to win it for the champions. Gor Mahia have now moved second with 34 points, three behind leaders Tusker, who failed to get a win against Sofapaka earlier on.

Image courtesy of Achienga Achola

courtesy of goal.com

K’Ogalo recovered from dropping points against rivals AFC Leopards’ by demolishing struggling Nairobi City Stars at City Stadium on Wednesday

Gor Mahia were on fire edging out struggling Nairobi City Stars 3-0 in a mid-week Kenyan Premier League match played at City Stadium on Wednesday.

Goals by Ali ‘Teargas’ Abondo and Michael Olunga in the first half were proof of Gor Mahia’s dominance. Abondo banged home the opener with his trade mark shot in the sixth minute. Olunga had to wait until injury time to score the second. The lanky striker made a long run from the right flank and ended with the ball past ?Ronnie Kagunzi in goal.

Gor  Mahia started strongly as Michael Olunga’s header hit the City Stars post in the first minute. Then a subdued City Stars’ side were forced to make an early substitution when ?Eporima Sanneh was carried off the pitch after sustaining an injury on his head. His place was taken by Peter Musine.

?After that, Gor Mahia kept up the pressure and launched attacks from the flanks. In the 22nd minute, Ronald Otieno’s goal bound free-kick was kept out by Ronnie Kagunzi with Gor Mahia earning first corner of the match. One minute later, Ali Abondo coming in from the left flank, opted to go for goal instead, of passing the ball to Mousa Kagere. The resultant shot was blocked by Kagunzi.

In the 25th minute, City Stars had their first chance to go ahead but Bruno Sserunkuma’s effort went just wide. Seven minutes later Osca Mbugu’s effort should have counted had his dipping shot beat Boniface Oluoch. Oluoch was forced to make a finger tip save and with it gave City Stars their first corner of the match. At this point Imwene Celestine from City Stars was cautioned but it still did not deter ?Bruno Sserunkuma from making another effort.

This time he beat Musa Mohammed but his shot was not powerful enough to count. After that lost chance, City Stars paid dearly when Olunga scored Gor Mahia’s second goal and the Kawangware-based side will blame themselves for not covering their back well.

The second half was a well balanced affair. City Stars were the keener side to get an equaliser and kept Boniface Oluoch busy. Gor Mahia too did not give up their quest for a third making it an action packed half.

But it was still Gor Mahia, who were the better side running rings around City Stars backline. From one such move ?Innocent Wafula scored the third goal in the 70th minute. After that goal, Gor Mahia rested Michael Olunga for George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and with it got a few more chances.