PRAYERS ANSWERED: K’Ogalo defeat Tusker to maintain unbeaten status
Football
By
FEVERPITCH REPORTER
| Oct 26, 2015
This year’s SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia maintained their unbeaten run after striker Michael Olunga scored deep in the second half against Tusker at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Olunga broke the deadlock in the 70th minute after controlling a through ball from Karim Nizigiyimana, which completely ended the brewers’ resistance. K’Ogalo are now two matches away – against Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth – to finish unbeaten this season.
Gor Mahia started quickly and got a corner after two minutes when Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth’s shot was saved by Martin Musalia in the Tusker goal. Seven minutes later, with Gor Mahia pushing their men forward, Meddie Kagere found himself with only Musalia to beat, but he was off-side.
Tusker got into the game by the quarter hour mark and Boniface Oluoch was called to duty as he denied Clifford Alwanga from a long shot. Oluoch punched the first shot into play, but Alwanga could not do much with the rebounce.
The brewers’ backline were in constant panic as Gor Maia maintained their attack with every chance. In the 20th minute, they frustrated Karim Nizigiyimana, who had made a good run and came close to opening the scores.
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The action swung from post to post as the brewers were awarded a free-kick near the Gor Mahia’s goal line, but Jesse Were could not convert it to their advantage.
Were made yet another attempt, again almost after that free-kick, but was denied by Boniface Oluoch.
The leading league goal scorer had a last chance to put his side ahead in the last minute of the first half, but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
It was Gor Mahia, who started the second half on a high and were rewarded with an early corner, which Jockins Atudo cleared. Tusker took time to settle, with Humphrey Mieno’s long range attempt going wide.
Kagere once again found himself in the mix as he shot above the Tusker bar. With the clock ticking, Olunga had his first chance to score, but his header was inches wide.
The brewers then made a double substitution as they rested James Situma and Danson Kago for Abdallah Juma and Noah Wafula, but it was still Gor Mahia, who had the upper hand with Karim Nizigiyimana side-netting in the 67th minute.
Three minutes later, Olunga scored from a Nizigiyimana cross to earn K’Ogalo maximum points and help them maintain their unbeaten run with two rounds of matches - against Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth -left.
Meanwhile, Chemelil Sugar have survived against relegation after they defeated Thika United 1-0 at Ruaraka Stadium yesterday.
Samuel Ouma scored the all-important goal in the 33rd minute to help the sugar millers avenge the first-leg loss. The win pushed Chemelil to 31 points on the log, which is enough to keep them in top flight football for yet another season.
It was a high-tempered match that saw Thika United coach Moses Irungu sent to the stands for protesting against some of the decisions made by the centre referee.
At City Stadium, Mathare United and Sofapaka fought to a 2-2 draw in a balanced fixture. Noah Abich scored twice for United, first in the 23rd minute and 47th minute, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.
John Barasa and Felly Mulumba replied for Sofapaka in the 60th and 76th minutes.