CAF Champions league : Gor Mahia edge out CnaPS

Gor Mahia Francis Otieno(R) and Rakutoharimalala Njiva of CNAPs from Madagascar battle for ball possession during their CAF Champions League at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 14/02/14.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Gor Mahia began their CAF Champions league campaign with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Madagascan opponents, CNaPS, at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Victor Ali Abondo struck from the spot after just two minutes when CNaPS Sport goalkeeper Ledo clipped Michael Olunga’s feet inside the penalty box.

Ronald Otieno struck the crossbar when clean through, 15 minutes later before Olunga, who had a good game, saw his effort deflected off the upright by Ledo just before the half hour mark.

Goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch, standing in for Jerim Onyango, denied Olivier from one on one situation by narrowing the angle for the CNaPS substitute in the second half.
The goal and the two efforts that came off the woodwork were, however, flattering as Gor put up a somehow disjointed performance going into the breather, a performance that would leave Gor fans worried going into the return leg on February 27.

“The boys are yet to gel. You could see upfront that their passing of the ball was not good,” former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said as he waded into the FKF-KPL debate over the composition of the league.

“FKF and KPL should stop the petty squabbles and come up with a solution. They should sit down and agree. I don’t see why Kenya should not have 18 teams. Many countries in the world have 18 or 20. I think time has come for Kenya to develop the game by expanding the league “ Raila said after the match at Nyayo Stadium.

Raila’s comments rank least to Gor for now, instead focus will be on CNaPS Sports who did have their chances even though not as clear cut.

Njiva worked his way behind the Gor Mahia defence on 37 minutes, taking advantage of Godfrey Walusimbi’s foray high up the field, to cut inside Musa Mohamed but his shot lacked the sting to trouble Oluoch in goal.

Jinny tried a pot shot from the edge of the box but saw his effort drop just behind Gor Mahia goal.
CNaPS upped the tempo on restart and twice had Gor Mahia defence rattled before the tie petered out to a pedestrian pace.

Coach Frank Nutall withdrew midfielder Jerry Santos for Erick Ochieng’ as he sought some inventiveness and mobility.

Santos appeared heavy and sluggish as his lumbering did slow down Gor’s attacking intent. With Timothy Otieno also lacking the cutting edge, Nutall sent in George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, but still clear cut chances came at a premium.

Good interplay between Walusimbi, Abondo on the 79th minute mark came a cropper as Odhiambo scuffed the resultant cross only for Olunga to cross straight into the waiting gloves of goalkeeper Ledo.

Encounters between Gor Mahia and Madagascan opposition has always been a close affair dating back to clashes with such clubs as Fatima and BTM.

And yesterday, it was no different even the 1-0 does tell the story as Olivier ghosted behind the Gor Mahia defence in the final minutes only for Oluoch to shut down the danger.