GOR’S PLAN WORKED: How Ze Maria’s tactics killed off AFC Leopards in sweet revenge

Goalkeeper AFC's Lucas Indeche misses a penalty during their KPL match against Gor Mahia FC at Nyayo National Stadium, Gor Mahia won 2-0. Oct 23, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

As Gor Mahia beat AFC Leopards in the Nairobi derby yesterday, one player stood out — Eric Ouma “Marcello”.

The 20-year-old left fullback was a thorn in AFC Leopards’ defence making most of the runs on the left with his crosses giving Ingwe defenders a hard time.

His energy, falling back to defend and joining in the attack, gave Gor Mahia the numbers and more so reducing the burden on the midfielders.

It was one of his crosses that was met by Enock Agwanda to give the defending champions the second goal of the day.

Leopards coach Ezekiel Akwana knew he lacked the creativity in midfield and opted for a more defensive approach, hoping for counter attacks.

Twice in the first half, Leopards could have scored from such forays with Paul Kiongera coming close but was thwarted by Karim Nzigiyimana.

Ingwe’s midfield partnership of Bernard Ongoma, Andrew Tololwa, Moussa Sissoko and Simon Abuko struggled to deliver the passes to Paul Kiongera and Kepha Aswani, the two strikers failing to make any shot on target throughout the game save for one long range effort from Kiongera that went wide.

Meanwhile, Francis Kahata was enjoying a field day controlling the midfield for Gor Mahia who used well their men on the flanks.

With Leopards midfield out of sorts, Gor fullbacks Nzigiyimana and Ouma were more attack-minded with Kahata, Collins Okoth, Geofrey Walusimbi and George Odhiambo. Meddie Kagere was used more as a winger in the first half. He was the creator of Gor Mahia’s first chance in the first half that was thwarted byLeopards defenders.

Ingwe managed to handle the pressure in the first half, but it was always a matter of time before they would crack and they did in the 62nd minute. Jacques Tuyisenge receiving a through ball from Kahata and as he prepared to pull the trigger, he was brought down by Eugene Ambulwa.

The referee pointed at the spot and Meddie Kagere was the man to take the penalty and coolly sent Lucas Indeche the wrong way.

The introduction of Enock Agwanda for Collins Okoth was a surprise move, but it worked well for Gor Mahia. The burly forward joined Tuyisenge in attack with Kagere falling back. Minutes after his introduction, he was on the right place to tap in Eric Ouma’s cross.

Akwana brought in Yusuf Suf in midfield for Abuko and Bernard Mang’oli for Andrew Tololwa and later Alfred Wekesa for Aswani, the changes did not help their course either.

Two nil it ended and Gor Mahia thoroughly deserved the three points, which now leave them just four points behind Tusker who were held to a one all draw by City Stars.