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[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Gor Mahia picked their second win in a row after stopping visiting Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in a midweek Kenyan Premier League match at Nyayo Stadium.

George Odhiambo’s first half strike made all the difference as Gor Mahia moved to two points within leaders Tusker.

Ulinzi were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Mohamed ‘Rio’ Hassan was sent off for kicking Jacques Tusiyenge.

Gor’s win yesterday came just days after beating Chemelil Sugar 3-1.

Ulinzi Stars were the more ambitious side as the match kicked off. Joseph Kuria’s header in the third minute from an Omar Mbongi cross should have counted but went just out.

Then Silas Shitote sent an inviting cross from the right flank, but this was well dealt with by Boniface Oluoch in the Gor Mahia goal.

Gor Mahia had to wait until the 11th minute for their first goal attempt and it nearly found the back of the net. Karim Nizigiyimana picked out George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo with a beautiful cross which however missed the target.

Four minutes later, Daniel Waweru drew out Boniface Oluoch from the Gor Mahia goal but quick action from Musa Mohamed snuffed out any danger.

The soldiers continued to press in and were rewarded with the first corner of the match after Omar Mbongi’s free kick was blocked. From then on the tide turned in favour of Gor Mahia.

First, James Saruni had to stretch to deny Jacques Tusiyenge, who had been picked out well by Meddie Kagere. Saruni then denied George Odhiambo and also managed to block the resultant rebound by Amos Nondi. Ulinzi Stars briefly took charge as John Makwata was denied by Boniface Oluoch.

On the other end, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo made no mistake as he beat Saruni at the far post with a well taken header. It could easily have been two goals moments later when Saruni stretched to deny Tusiyenge from Kagere’s pass.

Gor made the first substitution with 20 minutes to go as youngster Amos Nondi gave way to Ugandan defender Godfrey Walusimbi. With a one-man advantage, Gor dominated the proceedings but were not sharp upfront. Gor now have 43 points and Tusker 45.