Gor skinned Leopards, but how did the players rate?

Collins Shichenje (L) of AFC Leopards SC challenge Joash Onyango of Gor Mahia FC during their Kenyan Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on March 08, 2020. Photo[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor Mahia extended their Mashemeji derby dominance with a 1-0 victory over AFC Leopards at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Boniface Omondi’s first half goal saw K’Ogalo open a seven-point gap at the top of the Kenyan Premier League table over second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz (47).

Marked out of 10, here is the Mashemeji derby player rating 

AFC Leopards

Benjamin Ochan-The Ugandan’s howler nearly gifted Gor Mahia a second goal in the second half just after he had stopped Clifton Miheso’s thunderbolt. (6)

Collins Shivachi-He was caught flat-footed on numerous occasions, but he made a brilliant goal line clearance to stop Juma Balinya’s shot. (5)

Washington Munene-Save for the defensive mix-up that lead to the goal, he had a great derby debut. (6)

Robert Mudenyu-Looked slow at the start and lacked positional awareness, but improved as the game progressed. (5)

Robinson Kamura: As the captain, he led from the back and did his defensive duties well. (6)

Said Tsuma- He partnered well with Collins Shichenje in the midfield before he paved way for Hansel Ochieng in the 84th minute.

Jaffary Owiti- He lacked his usual sharpness and pace on the wing. He was replaced by Boniface Mukhekhe after restart. (4)

Collins Shichenje-He anchored the midfield very well and provided energy in the centre of the field. He made the opposition’s midfield look ordinary. (8)

Elvis Rupia-Flushes of promise but missed a couple of chances including a sitter after the hour mark. (6)

Austin Odhiambo-Driving force with his mazy runs from the midfield. He provided a number of assists that could have resulted into a goal. (7)

Vincent Oburu-Not effective as expected. Poor decision making in most cases. He was replaced by Francis Manoah in the 74th minute.

Substitutes: Boniface Mukhekhe (for Jaffary Owiti 46’) 6, Francis Manoah (for Vincent Oburu 74’) 5, Hansel Ochieng’ (for Said Tsuma 84’) 3

AFC Leopards fans react after they lost 1-0 to Gor Mahia during their KPL Derby at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Gor Mahia

Boniface Oluoch-His goalkeeping experience moreso in dealing with crosses proved invaluable for Gor Mahia. (7)

Geoffrey Ochieng-He looked uncomfortable in the unfamiliar right back role, but just got away with it. (6)

Michael Apudo-Not rampaging going forward, but he worked hard to contain AFC Leopards’ attacks in the second half. (6)

Joash Onyango-He made a decent return to the side from suspension. He made a series of vital tackles to deny the opposition. (7)

Charles Momanyi-Looked comfortable at the back and won a number of aerial battles. (7)

Jackson Owusu- The Ghanaian midfielder had an average performance. He didn’t create much going forward. (5)

Clifton Miheso-He was involved in Gor’s goal and forced a fine save from the keeper before being replaced by Samuel Onyango on the hour mark. (7)

Gor Mahia fan Jaro Soja(left) against AFC Leopards fan Juma during their KPL Derby at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Nicholas Kipkirui-Brilliant play in buildup but he missed a chance to put the game to bed before paving way for Juma Balinya in the 70th minute.

Kenneth Muguna-He looked quite and did not show the technical ability he is known for when attacking. (6)

Lawrence Juma-He was a pale shadow of his former self and he appeared subdued by Collins Shichenje. (5)

Boniface Omondi-He constantly kept Leopards’ backline on toes with his first half goal earning Gor the vital points. He was substituted by Ernest Wendo in the 80th minute. (9)

Substitutes: Samuel Onyango (for Clifton Miheso 60’) 5, Juma Balinya (for Nicholas Kipkirui 70’) 5, Ernest Wendo (for Boniface Omondi 80’) 3