Gor Mahia’s hopes of wrestling the lead from Tusker at the top of the log were dealt a blow after arch-rivals AFC Leopards beat them 2-1 at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon
After seven years of trying, AFC Leopards finally managed to upstage arch-rivals Gor Mahia with a 2-1 win in a thrilling 96th Mashemeji derby played at a packed Nyayo Stadium and graced by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Gor Mahia had the chance to take an early lead after Peter Lwasa was fouled by Ingwe keeper Levis Opiyo in the 26th minute to occasion a penalty but FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omalla put his spot kick wide of target.
In the see-saw game, AFC leopards got a similar advantage when Silvester Owino fouled a goal bound Maxwell Otieno and the referee pointed to the spot. Victor Omune sent Gor Mhia keeper Gad Mathews wrong way for the opener in the 33rd minute.
Five minutes later, Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo rose the highest to head in Dennis Ng’ang’a corner for the leveller and K’Ogalo’s only goal of the match.
Ingwe restored their lead in almost similar fashion when Maxwell Otieno headed in the 43rd minute from a Eugene Mukangula’s corner.
After the breather, Gor Mahia started well and it took a superb save by Lewis Opiyo to deny Benson Omalla’s header from a free kick in the 54th minute.
In the 55th minute Eugene Mukangala put through Maxwell Owino but the latter couldn’t beat custodian Gad Matews on a one-on-one situation
In the 67th minute, Gor defender Philemon Otieno did well to intervene and deny Maxwell Otieno’s intended cross to an advancing Mukangula.
Ingwe Coach Patrick Aussem the threw in Cliff Nyakeya in for Eugene Mukangula. Nyakeya’s contribution was a free kick shot that Maxwell Otieno connected to but headed wide.
Six minutes to the end, Benson Omalla did well to beat his marker but the end result was cleared to preserve AFC Leopards’ lead and famous win.
The win handed Tusker FC an advantage at the top of the league standings as they lead on 64 points and Gor Mahia are now a point adrift after 30 matches.
Premier League Sunday results
Gor Mahia 1-2 AFC Leopards
Kakamega Homeboyz 0-2 Nzoia Sugar FC
Nairobi City Stars 1-1 Bandari FC
Police FC 1-0 Mathare United
