GOR FRY SHARKS: Kariobangi lose their first ever top-flight match in KPL

Rwanda captain Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza scored on his debut as 15-time Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia eased past newcomers Kariobangi Sharks with a 3-1 victory at the Thika County Stadium yesterday.

Harun Shakava put Gor on the driving seat before Baptiste opened his goal account at Gor.

His fellow countryman Jacques Tuyisenge scored late in the game to extend the lead just before Mathew Odongo struck Sharks’ consolation goal.

Sharks threatened first in the fifth minute, but goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch stopped captain Ibrahim Kitawi’s close range shot before the former Gor midfielder’s second attempt went wide.

Gor Mahia responded immediately, but Godfrey Walusimbi’s effort went wide before Sharks goalkeeper Robert Mboya blocked Karim Nizigiyimana’s dangerous cross in the area.

Shakava powered in a header into the net in the 15th minute to put the K’ogalo ahead before Mugiraneza pounced on a rebound to double the lead in the 40th minute.

Kariobangi Sharks Rodgers Omondi (left) and Harun Shakava of Gor Mahia during KPL Round 1 match at Thika Stadium on Sunday, March 12, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Mugiraneza’s strike came just a moment after Duke Abuya’s long range effort bounced off the target.

Mboya was forced to come off his line to deny Tuyisenge a scoring chance as Gor Mahia went into the lockers comfortably leading 2-0.

Timothy Otieno saw his 50th minute goal ruled offside.

In the 65th minute, Pascal Ogweno made a goal line clearance, blocking Nizigiyimana’s volley before Oluoch stopped Michael Misigo’s surprise shot.

Tuyisenge made it 3-0 in the 88th minute, but Odongo netted a late consolation goal for Sharks.