Gor Mahia’s attempt to win a second major title for 2018 has come to an end when they were beaten by Kariobangi Sharks on post match penalties.<\/p>\n
Additional reporting from futaa.com<\/p>\n
Gor Mahia were sent home for the second tournament in a week as Kariobangi Sharks beat them 4-2 on penalties with regulation time ending in a barren draw in the Shield clash staged at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday 2nd September.<\/p>\n
This was the second time Gor were eliminated on penalties in the same tournament after losing last season to Bandari. Gor Mahia dominated the early exchanges knocking the ball around in their usual style, looking to overwrite the USM Alger defeat that bundled them out of the CAF Confederations Cup. Sharks came close in the 17th minute when Duke Abuya cut the ball back to Harrison Mwendwa but the former Mathare United skied his effort.<\/p>\n
In the 21st minute Francis Mustapha swung in a lovely cross but it fell to the wrong man, as Boniface Omondi who was virtually the shortest man on the field couldn\u2019t guide his header on target. Former Talanta FC talisman thought he had put his side ahead Midway through the first half but he was flagged for offside after George Abege laid off Duke Abuya cross onto him.K’Ogalo were forced into a substitution in the 41st minute after Lawrence Juma pulled his harmstring and was replaced by Raphael Asudi. Both teams went into the half time break locked at 0-0.<\/p>\n
Second half<\/p>\n
Sharks started the second half a much rejuvenated side and went close in the 50th minute when Patilah Omotto struck the upright directly from a corner. Sharks looked menacing in the second half probing the Gor defense on a number of occasions but finishing proved to be their achilies heel. Sharks introduced Sydney Simale upfront to bolster their attacking options.<\/p>\n
Mustapha was brought down by Pascal Ogweno just outside the 18 yard area, the Burundian stepped up to take the free kick calling Gad Mathews to a spectacular save. Harun Shakava was introduced to nullify the Sharks threat that was brewing as Ephrem Guikan was handed a rest. Moses Mwangi was thrown into the foray into the the 74th minute in place of an exasperated Shaphan Oyugi. Eluid Lokuwam was handed the final 10 minutes as Innocent Wafula. Sharks exhausted their subs introducing Gambian<\/p>\n
Ebrimah Sanneh for George Abege with Sharks having three out and out strikers. Sydney Lokale pounced on Charles Momanyi’s lose back pass and got past goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo but his touch was heavy as he could prevent the ball from going out. Penalties were needed to separate the two teams after the end of regulation time.<\/p>\n
Penalties<\/p>\n
Patilah Omotto couldn\u2019t hold his nerves as Odhiambo saved the first penalty. Mustapha converted the first for Gor to hand them an early advantage after slotting the ball into the top right corner. Ogweno picked the same slot as Mustapha to pull Sharks level. Ondiek ballooned his shot well over the bar with Omwenga scoring from Sharks third penalty kick.<\/p>\n
Boniface Omondi sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-2. Goalkeeper Gad Mathews stepped up to face his opposite number to score, Joachim Olouch hit the cross bar as the ball went out. Duke Abuya sealed the win for Sharks 4-2 on penalties.<\/p>\n
Gor Mahia XI: Fredrick Odhiambo, Innocent Odhiambo, Wesley Onguso, Charles Momanyi, Joachim Oluoch, Bernard Ondiek, Ephrem Guikan, Francis Mustafa, Boniface Omondi<\/p>\n
Subs: Shaban Odhoji, Raphael Asudi, Wellington Ochieng, Harun Shakava, Stephen Okiro, Eliud Lokuwom<\/p>\n
Kariobangi Sharks XI: Gad Mathews, Erick Juma, Pascal Ogweno, Patilah Omotto, Shaphan Oyugi, Erick Kapaito, John Kuol, Duke Abuya, George Abege, Harrison Mwendwa<\/p>\n
Subs: Brian Bwire, Vincent Wasambo, Ebrimmah Sanne, Michael Bodo, Chris Kimathi, Sydney Lokale, Moses Mwangi.<\/p>\n