GOR PEGGED BACK: Stima hold leaders K'Ogalo in Kisumu as Okwemba nets brace for Ushuru

GOR MAHIA VS STIMA AT MOI STADIUM KISUMU
Ronald Owino (right) of Gor Mahia FC and Joash Onyango of Western Stima battle for the ball control during their KPL match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu yesterday. The teams drew 0-0. 10/05/15. PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD

For all their possession, fanfare and crowd, champions Gor Mahia could only salvage a barren draw against hosts Western Stima at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu yesterday.

Not even the blaring vuvuzela sounds from frustrated fans, some throwing stones to each other, and arguable questionable officiating against the host could help the KPL champions claim maximum points leaving coach Frank Natall not amused.

A belated arrival of Raila Odinga and Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, was quickly forgotten as Stima almost went ahead in the seventh minute when Fred Shimonyo dribbled through Gor defence beating their goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch but had his shot blocked off the line by Musa Mohamed for a fruitless corner.

Gor's efforts to dominate were futile as Stima piled pressure. However, K’Ogalo stamped their authority and took control of proceeding and Ali Abondo should have done better in the six-yard box as he failed to connect on a cross from Timothy Otieno in the 20th minute.
Gor backline of Abdoul Nizigiyimana, Haron Shakava, Musa Mohammed and Abouba Sibomana opted for a high-line defence and this allowed space for Daniel Kamau and Ronald Okoth of Western Stima to sneak through, but their finishing was poor to see the two side end 0-0 at half time.

On resumption, it was Western Stima's turn to defend as Gor literally camped in their half, but the finishing confirmed why Harambee Stars has failed to do well on the international stage.
Centre Referee Amos Ichingwa had his flaws and opted to ignore the hard tackles from either sides as the game oscillated from one end to the other. In the 52nd minute, Gor’s Khalid Aucho beat Western Stima goalkeeper Gabriel Andika but released a weak shot, which allowed the defence time to clear it next to the line.
It remained a dull game, as Gor efforts to break through were frustrated by the Western Stima defence who were equally looking frustrated by the calls the referee was making. But in the 88 minute, the host could have scored- catching Gor on counter attack as a long pass to John Kiplagat was deflected and landed at the feet of Ronald Okoth whose effort went over the bar. The match ended 0-0.

Elsewhere, veteran midfielder Charles Okwemba struck a brace as Ushuru bounced from their defeat to Chemelil Sugar to beat struggling Nakuru AllStars 2-0, at the Kasarani Stadium
The taxmen scored both through set pieces profiting from errors by former AFC Leopards and Karuturi Sports defender Amon Muchiri, who conceded a penalty and a free kick.

Ushuru took an early lead through Okwemba’s spot kick in the 2nd minute after Muchiri handled the ball in the box.

The taxmen could have doubled the lead in the 19th minute but Roosevelt Blatty shot wide after neat exchange of passes from the midfield.
AllStars best chance of the game came in the 68th minute but goalkeeper Ali Kimera pulled a great save denying Kennedy Owino an equaliser from Carlson Mweresa’s pass. This was just a minute after Kimera had saved second substitute Robert Orat’s effort.
After managing to contain the pressure from the AllStars forward line, the Ken Kenyatta-trained side regained possession with the attacking duo of Moses Arita and Joseph Mulume giving their visitors a hard time.
And with the game entering the stoppage time, Ushuru were awarded a free after Mulume was fouled at the edge of the box by Muchiri. Okwemba perfectly curled the resulting free kick to hand AllStars their ninth defeat of the season.