GOR HELD, AFC CRUSHED: ‘K’Ogalo’ mark time as Leopards suffer dizzying defeat in Mumias

Homeboyz FC players celebrates after scoring their second goal against AFC at Mumias Sports complex on August 14, 2016. Homeboyz thrashed AFC 4-1. BY BENJAMIN SAKWA

Once again, Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia failed to capitalise on leaders Tusker’s slip-up to narrow the gap at the top after being held to a frustrating barren draw by Posta Rangers at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

With tension growing in the stadium after the final whistle following Gor Mahia’s third consecutive draw, players from both teams were hurriedly whisked away from the pitch as Gor fans left the stadium with a feeling of disappointment.

Having watched Tusker held 1-1 by Western Stima on Saturday in Machakos, many Gor fans expected their club to bounce back to winning ways and close the gap to two points.

However, that never happened as tactically defensive Zedekiah Otieno and his side frustrated their ambitions.

In an earlier match at the same venue, Robinson Kamura's superb free kick goal is all that Mathare United needed to beat a resilient Nairobi City Stars (1-0).

After a barren first half, Mathare needed something special to break City Stars’ resistance.

And in the 70th minute, the former champions finally found the breakthrough when dead-ball specialist Robinson Kamura unleashed a brilliant free kick that flew past a hapless City Stars goalkeeper Ronnie Kagunzi.

Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi was a visibly relieved man after ending their five-game winless streak.

“It was a difficult game with little tension, but we managed to get a point from a set piece. I consider it as a scrappy win, because we struggled to get it,” Kimanzi told Feverpitch after the match.

Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz gave AFC Leopards a baptism of fire, humiliating the 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions 4-1, at the Mumias Sports Complex, yesterday.

It was sweet revenge for Homeboyz, who had lost 2-0 to AFC in a GOtv Shield knock out match at the same venue a fortnight ago.

Mike Mururi men’s tore AFC Leopards apart, showing intent from the very first minute as they enjoyed possession, passing the ball quicker compared to their visitors. And after just five minutes, Homeboyz’s efforts were repaid as Andrew Kulecho broke the deadlock before Sunday Mutuu eight minutes later.

Andrew Murunga struck the third goal on the half hour mark before substitute Kepha Aswani who pulled a goal back for AFC. However, defender Eugene Ambulwa scored in his own net to hand Homeboyz a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Despite more changes by AFC coach after the break, Homeboyz held their nerve to maintain the scoreline.