K’OGALO RAID ZOO KERICHO: Gor Mahia register second consecutive win as Mathare and Nzoia draw

Gor Mahia players with dummy cheque of Sh190,000 from Goma Lotto at Camp Toyoyo training ground in Nairobi on Thursday evening before the team flew to Kisumu for their Kenyan Premier League match against Zoo Kericho at Moi Stadium. PHOTO: COURTESY

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia were the only winners in yesterday’s round two of the new season’s fixtures after beating ten-men Zoo Kericho by a solitary goal, at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.

Reigning KPL player of the year Kenneth Muguna announced his arrival at K’Ogalo with a brilliant effort and eventual match winner on the stroke of halftime in a match that was dominated by the hosts.

The newcomers were reduced to ten men, after Nixon Omulanda was sent off in the 82nd minute for his second bookable offence.

K’Ogalo could have gone ahead in the 13th minute but Godfrey Walusimbi fluffed his shot after an incisive pass from Karim Nizigiyimana. Moments later, Muguna saw his well-executed free-kick saved by Zoo Kericho custodian Vincent Misikhu.

But with five minutes to the breather, the former Western Stima midfielder danced through the opposing defence, created space for himself before firing a powerful shot that flew past a hapless Misikhu into the net. It was Muguna’s first goal since joining Gor in the January transfer window.

The victory saw the 15 time champions go top of the table with six points after slaying debutantes Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in the season opener.

At Sudi Stadium, Nzoia Sugar held Mathare United to a barren draw as Chemelil Sugar rallied from a goal down to share the spoils with visiting Kakamega Homeboyz in a match that ended 1-1.

Homeboyz took the lead through David Okoth’s 22nd minute strike before David Ojuang restored parity midway through the second half.

It was the same scenario at Thika County Stadium where Posta Rangers and Bandari drew 0-0.

“It was a good game. We had chances but luck was not on our side,” Rangers coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo told Feverpitch after the stalemate.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia received a financial boost ahead of the clash against Zoo which seemed to have inspired the former champions to victory.

The team was boosted by lottery firm Goma Lotto that gave the players Sh190, 000 to share following Gor Mahia’s 3-1 routing of Kariobangi Sharks the other weekend in Thika.

The firm’s director of Marketing and Communication, Agnes Owande said the boost was meant to motivate the players to replicate the same against Zoo yesterday.

“As Goma Lotto we have come up with great rewards for Gor Mahia players to motivate them towards winning in the 2017 KPL season,” Owande said.

Apart from the incentives on offer, the firm will be helping Gor Mahia to establish its own stadium.