TITLE IN SIGHT: Gor edge Mathare United to inch closer to retaining KPL title, Sony hit City Stars

 

Gor Mahia Baba Kizito(L) battle for the ball against Roy Syamba(C) and Vincent Okelo of Mathare United during their KPL match at City Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday 19/10/14.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Gor Mahia inched closer to retaining the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after edging out Mathare United 1-0 at City Stadium, yesterday.

George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo scored the only goal in the 35th minute after heading home a Dan Sserunkuma long cross to make fans dance with 'Twende Game' tunes in the air. It was Odhiambo's second goal in a row since returning to Gor Mahia at the start of this season. His first was last Saturday when he scored in a 4-1 win over Nairobi City Stars and Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall was delighted by the performance of the player.

"Odhiambo was in fine form today and I am happy for him especially after he scored his second goal in a row," said Nuttal.

United were more dangerous in the second half where they had wasted chances and coach Stanley Okumbi admitted it cost them at least a draw.

"We played very well this afternoon and especially in the second half but we were blunt upfront," he said.

At the start of the second half, Mathare United rested Titieh Olesu for Edwin Ombasa in a bid to get back into the match.

However, it was Godfrey Walusimbi who had the first chance at goal but was denied by Robert Mboya in the United goal.

Haron Shakava had a free header from a corner ball but jumped too high as his effort went wide.

United then made their second substitution bringing on Emmanuel Ibe for Daniel Mwaura. But they survived a scare when Edgar Ochieng' headed out Godfrey Walusimbi's shot.

With a quarter of an hour to go before the match ended, Whyvonne Isuza failed to take advantage of a poor clearance by Jerim Onyango. Onyango's clearance had landed on Isuza's feet and he fumbled with the ball before it was cleared.

Gor Mahia rested Godfrey Walusimbi for Eric Ochieng late in the match in a bid to keep a clean sheet. Though he came on late, Ochieng' wasted a perfect opportunity to score when his shot went wide from a Sserunkuma pass.

Meanwhile, Sony Sugar FC beat visiting Nairobi City Stars 2-0 to maintain their
push for a top eight-finish during an entertaining KPL game played at Awendo Green Stadium yesterday.
Samuel Onyango scored both goals as the host completely dominated the game and heaped more pressure on the relegation battling stars.

The host dominated early on and went ahead on the seventh minute after
Onyango got at the end of Marwa Chamberi's pass and calmly slotted past Kennedy Omondi in the visitors goal.
In the second half, Sony picked off from where they had left and their efforts were  rewarded in the 60th minute when Onyango got at the end of a long ball from the midfield and looped it over Omondi before thumping it into the net.

The visitors tried to rally in search of a consolation goal but were unable to get behind the well organised Sony's defence.