Gor Mahia edge AFC Leopards in league encounter

By Standard Team

Gor Mahia collected maximum points from their arch-rivals AFC Leopards after winning 3-2 in an exciting clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Two of the five goals scored yesterday afternoon came via the penalty spot. Leopards were the first to score when team captain Francis Xavier slotted home from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.

The penalty was awarded by referee Chrispin Oduor when Jacktone Opanda was brought down by Fred Onyango in Gor’s goal. Xavier scored his second penalty in the 84th minute after Stephen Otieno had handled the ball in the box.

Leopards defender Allan Huma scored into his net, giving the winners an early equaliser just four minutes after they had gone down.

With pressure mounting on either side of the pitch, Gor won a penalty in the 25th minute. Habil Otieno stepped forward to take it but failed to beat Charles Onyango.

Though Onyango did well to clear the ball, Leopards’s defenders were not fast enough. Zablon Otieno who was lurking inside the box picked up the ball and beat three defenders to score Gor’s second goal.

Otieno completed the scoring with a powerful finish in the 76th minute after he had been put through by influential midfielder Peter Odhiambo.

Earlier in the day, newcomers, Sofapaka, easily picked three points from visiting Chemelil Sugar, thanks to a 2-1 victory.

Chemelil failed to go up in the 30th minute when Jeff Odongo’s penalty kick was punched out by George Opiyo. Safari Mangu scored for Chemelil in the 47th minute, but Patrick Kagogo immediately equalised for Sofapaka in the 54th minute.

three points

Captain Zablon Amanaka ensured Sofapaka picked the three points with a powerful header in the 77th minute.

In Mombasa, visiting Western Stima picked a point when they held Bandari to a barren draw.

The see-saw match played at the Mombasa Municipal Stadium saw Bandari dominate the first half before the visitors mounted pressure in the second.

Stima’s custodian David Juma had a hectic time as Bandari strikers, Said Amir and second half substitute Babuhija Rashid blasted powerful shots at will.

Anthony Dafaa of Bandari could have assured his team of a win when he received a pass from Athman Kibwana only to fumble with only Juma to beat before it was cleared by Victor Oduor.

Stima’s Jacob Mulaya was also outstanding with Bandari’s goalkeeper Abdul Swaleh saving several shots from him.

In Naivasha , George Odhiambo scored for Thika United who beat hosts Red Berets 1-0.

Odhiambo’s goal in the 52nd minute ensured the visitors picked the three points away.

— Report by Gilbert Wandera and Ernest Ndunda

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