Kenyan Premier League: Gor Mahia stop Thika United at the City Stadium
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi, Ben Ahenda and Ernest Ndunda
| Jul 08, 2015
Gor Mahia striker Meddie Kagere and Thika United defender Dennis Odhiambo vies for the ball during the KPL match at City Stadium July 8, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYOCaption
Gor Mahia maintained their unbeaten run in the Kenyan Premier League to 17 games with a 2-0 victory over visiting Thika United at the City Stadium on Wednesday.
"We had chances but we were not clinical in front of goal. We just need to improve on our striking," said Thika United coach Tim Bryett.
Ugandan import Geoffrey Walusimbi broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute before Michael Olunga doubled the lead 12 minutes later.
Gor could have taken an early lead in the third minute but Olunga missed a Meddie Kagere's cross. Two minutes later, Thika goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge made a double save, parrying away Walusimbi and Ali Abondo's efforts into fruitless corners.
The 14-time champions had another chance in the 36th minute, but Collins Okoth shot in the box was blocked by Thika defense. In the 42nd minute, Vincent Nyaberi could have scored in his own goal while trying to clear Kagere's cross but headed slightly over cross bar.
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On resumption, Olunga delivered a fine cross, but Kagere squandered the chance before Okoth's long range shot went wide.
But after an hour of frustration, Walusimbi unleashed a powerful volley inside the box to beat Muwonge. A few moments later, Olunga found the back of the net.
Meanwhile, Bandari edged out Ushuru 1-0 in a KPL match at the Mombasa County Stadium. Farid Mohammed scored the lone goal for the winners in the 56th minute.
Ushuru missed an open chance in the 17th minute when Charles Okwemba's free kick from 20 yards was punched off back in to play by Bandari custodian Wilson Oburu.
After resumption, Bandari Farid Mohammed tapped in Erick Okoth's pass to beat goalkeeper Ali Kimera.
At Afraha Stadium, Nairobi City Stars custodian Ronny Kagunzi ssisted his team settle for a 1-1 draw against Nakuru All Stars. City Stars were the first to score in the 36th minute through Joseph Sakwa before Bebeto Fwamba equalised for the home side in the 58th minute.
-Reports by Rodgers Eshitemi, Ben Ahenda and Ernest Ndunda