Report from Citizen Sports
Austin Odhiambo scored the only goal as Champions Gor Mahia edged their eternal rivals AFC Leopards 1-0, in a Kenyan Premier League match at the Nyayo National Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Leopards could not capitalise on numerical advantage from the 35th minute, when Gor Mahia's goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was shown a red card for fouling last-man Victor Omune.
It was a well attended match, with Nyayo Stadium almost full but the adrenaline of the derby also saw partisan stewards of the sides exchange blows especially at halftime.
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The fans too had their share in the trouble, but were easily controlled by the police officers.
The win means the FKF Premier League leaders inch closer to their 21st title after stretching to 57 points.
Elsewhere at the Ulinzi Complex, vistors Tusker FC stopped Ulinzi Stars 0-1, thanks to Eric Kapaito's goal in the 50th minute. Ulinzi, who poignantly are still mourning the demise of their boss CDF Francis Ogolla who was laid to rest Sunday afternoon, fought hard to equalise but a stubborn Tusker defense frustrated their efforts.
The win takes Tusker to third on the log with 46 points, 11 less than Gor's 57 with the league already in its homestretch.
At the SportPesa Arena, hosts Murang'a SEAL were held to a goalless draw by Muhoroni Youth, a result that elevated the visitors to 16th, a place above rivals Shabana FC. Muhoroni have 26 points, one more than 17th placed Shana, which leaves their relegation battle on.
SEAL are 11th with 35 points, after completing 27 rounds of the Premier League.
School kid blunder
At Nyayo, Odhiambo pounced on a school kid blunder from goalkeeper Levis Opiyo in the 25th minute, snatching the ball from his legs to score what would be the only goal to separate the teams.
Ingwe dictated the possession but failed to get the much needed leveller before the break.
At restart, Leopards will have themselves to blame with Clifford Miheso and Hassan Beja wasting clear chances that would have seen them equalize.
Omune skied the ball over the bar in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, much to the chagrin of the Leopards fans.
The scorer Odhiambo was the tormentor-in-chief doing all the dirty work from the left, with his tricky runs and passes that however would not end up in goal, his teammates failing to deliver the final kick.
Harambee Stars forward Benson Omalla was also on the spot with a number of misses, notably in the 82nd minute as he was set through only to shoot over the bar with only Opiyo to beat.
The win completes a season double for Gor over Leopards, having the first leg 2-0 at the Moi International Centre Kasarani.
