Gor Mahia beat rivals AFC Leopards in Mashemeji derby to move five points clear

Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia moved five points clear ahead of their rivals AFC Leopards after securing a late 1-0 win at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

During the 99th Mashemeji derby attended by a sizable crowd from both giants, Gor Mahia came to avenge the first round fixture which they had lost 1-0.

Apart from earning revenge, Gor Mahia knew a straight win will help them open a five-point gap ahead of their sworn nemesis with five matches remaining to conclude the season.

Onyango delivers for Gor Mahia when it matters most

Alpha Onyango scored the only important goal to silence their rivals. The defender fired Gor Mahia into the lead from the area after controlling Bryton Onyona’s cross before firing to the left corner.

Goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi returned to the AFC Leopards starting XI as coach Fred Ambani named the starting team to face Gor Mahia.

For Gor Mahia, Kenya national team goalkeeper Byrne Omondi came in to replace Gadd Mathews.
Gor Mahia won the first corner of the derby, courtesy of Patrick Essombe. Enock Morrison delivered from the right side, but it was cleared by AFC Leopards defender.

In the 14th minute, Gor Mahia continued to threaten and it was Ebenezer Adukwaw, who won a free-kick from outside the area. The Ghanaian import stepped up to deliver but his effort went off inches wide.

The league leaders continued to dominate the derby and Katasi saved AFC Leopards twice. He first denied Adukwaw from close range before he did well to block Patrick Essombe from giving Gor Mahia the lead.

Immediately after the missed opportunity, the Cameroonian Essombe wasted another chance after he directed his effort straight to Katasi hands despite being in a position to score.

AFC Leopards midfielder Boniface Munyendo was the first to be booked following a clumsy foul. Gor Mahia had another great opportunity from a corner but Katasi did well to deny Paul Ochuoga.

The first half ended 0-0 but Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor cut a frustrated figure as he walked down the tunnel because his side was by far the better side, and should have gone into the break with an advantage.

At the start of the second half, Ambani made a double change, bringing in youngster Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja for Munyendo and Ronald Sichenje. For Gor Mahia, Ebenezer Adukwaw paved the way for Ebenezer Assifuah.

 

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