Gor survive scare, Tusker win on Matano's return

Baker Lukooya (L) of AFC leopards tackles Bolton Omwenga of Kariobangi Sharks FC during their Kenyan Premier League match at Thika county stadium on April 25, 2018. The match ended 1-1. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com

Ten-man Gor Mahia opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Kenyan Premier League table, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season after being held 2-2 by Chemelil Sugar at Kericho Green Stadium yesterday.

Gor however had a Chemelil fight-back scare after goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch saw red when he handled the ball outside his area in the 55th minute.

The draw saw K’Ogalo, who have two games in hand, take their points tally to 26, three points more than Mathare United.

Humphrey Mieno put Gor ahead when he headed home Francis Kahata’s corner kick in the 11th minute before the former Thika United man’s effort was ruled offside.

Ephrem Guikan then pounced on Innocent Wafula’s cross to hand the 16-time champions a two-goal cushion to the break.

However, Dylan Kerr’s side was reduced to 10 men after Oluoch was sent off for deliberately handling the ball outside his area while trying to stop onrushing substitute Benedicto Mwamlanga from scoring.

The millers immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Mwamlanga bagging a brace in the 69th and 74th minutes.

Meanwhile, new Tusker coach Robert Matano began his stay at Ruaraka on a positive note after his side edged out Wazito 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo.

Matano took over at the brewers on Monday, after former coach Sam Timbe was sacked.

Robert Achema scored the only goal for Tusker in the 12th minute, pouncing on a Mathew Odongo pass.

It was only the third win for Tusker this season - an indication of the poor run the brewers have had.

At Thika Stadium, AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks drew 1-1 in a match that was largerly hampered by the muddy and rough field.

Second-half substitute Francis Manoah scored the opener for Kariobangi Sharks in the 70th minute before Whyvonne Isuza scored a late penalty to save Leopards the blushes.

In Mombasa, Zoo Kericho extended their unbeaten run to six matches after holding Bandari to a 2-2 tie at Mbaraki sports grounds.

Both sides were coming into the match on the back of weekend wins. Bandari had stopped AFC Leopards 1-0 while Zoo were 3-1 winners over Tusker.

The home side were the first to score in the 11th minute through William Wardi after he was fed by Kevin Omondi.

However, Bandari’s celebrations were cut short after Nicholas Kipkirui equalised off Stanislaus Akiya’s pass in the 17th minute.

 

Surge ahead

Bandari had an opportunity to surge ahead in the 26th minute when Collins Agade was left with custodian Vincent Misikhu to beat but fumbled with the ball before it was cleared out of the danger zone by defender Johnston Sindani.

Zoo Kericho’s determination was rewarded in the 34th minute, when Michael Madoya headed home a nice pass from Danson Chetambe for the second goal.

Bandari benched Abdallah Hassan, Kevin Omondi and Darius Msagha for David Kingatua, Boniface Akenga and Keegan Ndemi. Kericho brought in Dominic Kiprono and Geoffrey Gichana for Nicholas Kipkirui and Michael Madoya.

Bandari had an upper hand in the second half, but failed to capitalise on the many scoring opportunities that came their way.

The dockers ensured that they shared the spoils after Nicholas Meja unleashed a powerful shot into the net in the 83rd minute.

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