Gor Mahia claw back point as Bandari gun down Ulinzi Stars

Bandari players Shaban Kenga (front) and Wycliffe Ochomo celebrate. [Gideon Maundu, Standard]

Burundian import Francis Mustafa scored a last gasp equaliser to complete Gor Mahia's incredible comeback from three goals down to draw 3-3 with KCB in yesterday's exciting SportPesa Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

KCB, who had a lightning start to the match-scoring three quickfire goals in the opening 34 minutes, were on the verge of making it two wins out of two against the league leaders only for Mustafa to pounce on a loose ball to beat goalkeeper Zamu Adisa.

The result saw the record champions open a seven-point gap over second-placed Sofapaka (52). 

A relieved Gor coach Hassan Oktay said: "We were punished for our own mistakes. Coming from three goals down to get a point is not easy. Though we showed character to get a point, we should have won the match if we had made good use of our chances in the second half."

In Mombasa, Congolese import Yema Mwana's late goal inspired third-placed Bandari to a narrow 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars

Back to Machakos, Bolton Omwenga scored a brace in a span of five minutes after Martin Nderitu's opener before Gor Mahia pulled two back in an exciting first half.

The bankers made a surprising bold approach with Nderitu capitalizing on Gor's defensive blunder to open the scoring in the 24th minute. This was less than four minutes after KCB had been forced to make an early substitution with Nicodemus Onyango coming on for injured Baraka Badi.

But that didn't demoralize them as Omwenga doubled the lead three minutes later when he curled home a sumptuous 35-yard free-kick past goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji.

The former Kariobangi Sharks man grabbed his second of the day in the 33rd minute with another perfectly executed long-range effort that left Odhoji stranded.

But the champions responded after four minutes with captain Harun Shakava leaping high to power home a free header from Samuel Onyango's corner kick.

And sensing the danger, Gor coach Hassan Oktay made a tactical change bringing in the attacking duo of  Dennis Oliech and Boniface Omondi for Hashim Sempala and Erisa Ssekisambu respectively.

The substitutions paid off instantly as the hosts upped their tempo. And after a series of threats, Samuel Onyango reduced the deficit with a clinical finish on the stroke of halftime.

Gor continued from where they left off in the first half pilling pressure on the bankers' back line.

Onyango nearly drew level five minutes into the second half but his effort from Boniface Omondi's delivery was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper Zamu Adisa.

Joash Onyango then came to Gor rescue with brilliant clearance to block Benson Amianda's dangerous cross from the left flank before Oliech's glancing header flashed just wide the right post on the opposite end.

Boniface Omondi then forced a fine save from the keeper before Mustafa saw his 75th-minute free header crash against the right post as Gor pushed for an equaliser.

But the Burundian was finally rewarded when his last gasp strike earned Gor the valuable point.

Yesterday's SPL results
Gor Mahia 3-3 KCB
Bandari 1-0 Ulinzi