Alphonce Munjal
Gor Mahia returned to the summit of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) table after their hard fought 1-0 win against Bandari FC on Tuesday.
The defending champions lost their season opener 2-1 against the Dockers, and were also eliminated by the same opponent in the FKF Shield Cup meaning Tuesday’s match was a do or die for the hosts.
Harun Shakava almost gifted the visitors a lead in the 10th minute when he almost put the ball into his own net as he tried to clear it. Fortunately, it came off the post and the skipper put it to safety much to the delight of the home fans.
Goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji had to be at his best in the 23rd minute to deny Ugandan winger William Wadri who was clear on goal following a sumptuous move by the visitors who looked hungry to take the lead.
K’Ogalo were lucky not to have conceded in the first half and they had to thank their custodian Odhoji for keeping them in the game.
The best chance for Gor Mahia came in the 70th minute when substitute Dennis ‘the Menace’ Oliech found space in a good position, but his shot was deflected out for a corner by goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo.
It all looked set for a barren draw as the clock hit the 90th minute, but Jacques Tuyisenge brought life into the stadium by heading in an inch perfect cross by Francis Kahata to send K’Ogalo to the top of the table.
Gor Mahia XI: Shaban Odhoji, Wellington Ochieng, Geoffrey Ochieng, Haron Shakava, Joash Onyango, Hashim Sempala, Juma Lawrence, Jacques Tuyisenge, Samuel Onyango, Francis Kahata and Nicholas Kipkirui.
Subs: Boniface Oluoch, Joachim Oluoch, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi, Kenneth Muguna, Erisa Ssekisambu and Dennis Oliech.
