Gor Mahia switch off Stima 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium

Gor Mahia’s Sserunkuma leads a teammate in celebration against Western Stima at their GOtv Shield quarter-final tie at Nyayo

By GILBERT WANDERA

Gor Mahia are through to the semi-finals of the GOtv shield  after edging out Western Stima 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium on Sartuday.

Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma scored both goals in the first half putting Gor on track to defending the title won last year.

Sserunkuma’s first came in the 39th minute when he banged the cross bar with a high ball to put his side ahead.

The second came on the stroke of half time this time Sserunkuma got a beautiful supply from Edwin Lavatsa and went for goal on the first touch beating David Juma with a low ball.

For his effort Sserunkuma was named Man of the Match and he expressed delight at sending his team into the last four.

“Our target was to get to the semi-final which we have done and Iam just happy that I was able to help my team get here,” he said.

The decision to pack both midfields ensured no balls went to the front men and the result was no clear chances at goal. But action picked up from the 20th minute with Mustafa Ogutu of Western Stima earning a yellow card for foul play on Eric Okoth.

Stima then had the first shot at goal but Wesley Kemboi’s free kick went wide. With the half hour approaching Gor had found a way through the Stima defence and took advantage of spaces left by their opponents to get through.

The power men were the better side as the second half started with Gor Mahia goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda forced to make a finger tip save on resumption as Stima got their first corner of the match.

Stand in coach Hesborne Nyabinge said: “The players did what we agreed but it did not work. We were simply out-played. Now we have to give our best to the league.”

following instructions

Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson praised his players for following instructions. “I really don’t care that we could have won by a bigger margin. What is important is that we are through to the semi-finals,” he said.

The tournament continues today at Nyayo with AFC Leopards taking on Karuturi Sports and Sofapaka playing Finlays.

For Leopards, victory is paramount considering that they are out of contention for the Kenyan Premier League title and the shield remains their only hope for continental football next season.

Leopards coach James Nandwa will be hoping to pick his fourth straight win since taking over on a temporary basis and he will be determined to get something for the club.

Nandwa has shown a preference for veteran players and he is expected to line-up a strong squad with Allan Wanga, Osca Kadenge and Mike Barasa leading the attack.

On the other hand, Karuturi Sports will be determined to pick a positive result and have something to celebrate even as they face relegation from the KPL.

Ugandan striker Hussein Zzinda will lead their attack and hopes his experience of playing at this level counts for something at the end of 90 minutes. –[e-mail]