Congo United kick Gor Mahia out of FKL Cup

By Ernest Ndunda

It was the end of the road for in-form Gor Mahia in the FKL Cup after Congo United bundled them out of the tournament 10-9 in a thrilling and action-packed match last evening in Mombasa.

However, the winners of the well-attended match, which was used to open Mombasa Municipal Stadium after it was closed for renovation last November, was decided through a penalty shoot-out.

The two teams had battled to a barren draw in the entire 90 minutes of the match officiated by referee Abdallah Rufai and attended by Mombasa Mayor Ahmed Modhar and FKL Chairman Mohammed Hatimy, among other dignitaries.

Congo Boys went in search of goals immediately after kick-off and could have grabbed the opener in the 14th minute when Humphrey Oyando unleashed a powerful shot, which missed the target by inches.

Gor Mahia striker Wycliffe Ochomo (front) and Congo Boys Bernard Ouma during the FKL Cup match in Mombasa Municipal Stadium, Wednesday. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

Gor Mahia settled after 20 minutes with good passes and interesting display of classy footwork by strikers Moses Otieno, Edwin Lavatsa and Kevin Ochieng’, which tormented Congo’s defence time and again.

The second half was full of action after both teams were reduced to 10 men and brought in three more players. In the 63rd minute, Congo United were reduced to 10 after Humphrey Oyando was sent off after picking his second yellow card.

Ten minutes later, Gor Mahia were also reduced to 10 men after Wycliffe Ochomo, formerly of Congo United, was also sent back to the terraces after accumulating two yellow cards for dangerous play.

Congo benched Lazaro Simba, Kevin Ngugi and Ismail Dunga for Mohammed Basenga, Keah Mwachiponi and Rama Salim.

Basenga scored what looked like a clean goal in the 83rd minute after Rama put him through, but he was ruled off-side.

During the penalty shoot-out, all the 10 players including the two goalkeepers took penalties after Rama and Mwangili Selenga missed theirs.

In the second round of the penalties, Erick Masika, who had scored the opening penalty for Gor Mahia, had his penalty saved by Evans Omondi, while Rama, who had missed his first penalty, scored the winning penalty for Congo.

Scorers for Gor Mahia were Mohammed Musa, Moses Odhiambo, Nasio Solomon, Moses Otieno, Fred Onyango, Christopher Wekesa, Kevin Ochieng and Kevin Omondi.

Congo scored theirs through Evans Omondi, Bernard Ouma, Mohammed Basenga, Morris Dukuly, Allan Omondi, Amon Mwamburi, Mohammed Hassan and Musa Omary.

Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah Otieno said his players were tired after playing against AFC Leopards on Sunday in a Premier League.

"We played a good side and when a match proceeds to penalty shoot-outs, any of the teams can win and this time round was Congo. I congratulate them for the win," said told FeverPitch.

Congo United coach Gilbert Selebwa was full of praise to his never-say-die boys for the well-done job.

"I had said before that Gor Mahia were not a threat to us and we proved to them that we were the better side," said the joyful Selebwa.

The two teams have met twice this season where they drew 2-2 at Mbaraki Sports Club in a Premier League match and in yesterday’s match.

There was a moment when fans clashed briefly in support of their teams. However, police intervened to cool the situation.

Gor were flown to and from Mombasa by Football Kenya Limited early yesterday while still basking in their weekend victory over rivals AFC Leopards.