STOUT BANDARI FRUSTRATE GOR: Champions fail to close gap on leaders Tusker after a disappointing draw in Kisumu

Gor Mahia coach Ze Maria was left frustrated as his champion side could not find their way through visiting Bandari’s defence in a thrilling Kenyan Premier League match at Moi Stadium, Kisumu yesterday.

Bandari will thank goalkeeper Wilson Obungu, who put up a man-of-the match performance to keep at bay Gor Mahia trio of Jacquie’s Tuyisenge, George Odhiambo and Francis Kahata.

Marcelo Ferreira, known by his moniker Ze Maria declined to speak to the media after the frustrating 0-0 draw yesterday.

With league leaders Tusker condemning Mathare United to a third consecutive defeat on Saturday, the ball was in Gor Mahia’s court to narrow the five-point gap.

Despite dominating proceedings from the second minute, Gor Mahia failed to make their efforts pay.

Kahata pounced on a loose ball inside the first two minutes, but they failed to tap it in, instead sending the ball into the hands of Obungu.

Tuyisenge headed wide just after the half-hour mark from a sumptuous Godfrey Walusimbi cross. It was the turn for Walusimbi to squander another great chance in 42nd minute, this time feeding off Karim Nizigimana.

On resuming the second half, the champions continued to press but without troubling the coastal lads.

A twitch in tactics for Bandari saw Erick Kibiru, Dan Sserenkuma and David King’atua paired up front. And it was former Gor Mahia striker Sserunkuma, who almost punished his former employers in the 78th minute but failed to beat Boniface Oluoch in goal.

David Okoth and King’atua then surged forward but their endeavours failed to materialize they were flagged offside.

Nizingimana sent a free kick straight into the hands goalkeeper Obungu after Kibiru fouled Kahata just outside the box.

Coach Ze Maria then rested Innocent Wafula for former Western Stima winger Baron Oketch and Bandari reacted by bringing in Michael Apundo and Anthony Kimani

Not even the introduction of Meddie Kagere for tired Ernest Wendo and Amos Nondi replacing George Odhiambo in the 82nd minute could inject life into Gor Mahia

While Bandari coach Kennedy Odhiambo paid tribute to his sides resilience, Gor’s Ze Maria refused to speak to the media.