Gor break KCB safe: Sofapaka and Ulinzi secure wins in KPL mid-week ties

By FEVERPITCH TEAM

KCB’s Benedict Owuor shields the ball from Gor Mahia’s Dan Sserunkuma during their KPL match at the City Stadium yesterday. Gor won 3-2. [PHOTOS: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Gor Mahia began life without shirt sponsors Tuzo on a positive note after they held their nerve to edge out KCB 3-2 at City Stadium yesterday.

Wednesday was the first time in three years that the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions were playing without the logo of theirir shirt sponsors, Tuzo, who declined to extend their deal at the end of March.

Club chairman Ambrose Rachier said they hope to have a new sponsor soon but revealed that no one has come on board so far.

But money matters aside, on the pitch, goals from Rama Salim, Innocent Mutiso and David ‘Calabar’ Owino were enough to give Gor Mahia all three points while Chrispinus Onyango and Paul Kiongera scored for the bankers late into the game.

The win saw Gor Mahia bounce back to victory in five matches while KCB remain winless since the season started.

After the final whistle, Gor Mahia fans were involved in running battles with police as they protested the officiating of centre referee Israel Mpaina.

Barren draw

Meanwhile, Top Fry Nakuru earned their third point after securing a 0-0 draw against visiting Bandari at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru yesterday.

Both teams wasted numerous scoring opportunities with  Top Fry’s John Ndirangu the main culprit failing to beat Bandari’s custodian Wilson Oburu in the first half.

Bandari’s golden opportunity came in the 67th minute when David Naftali blasted the ball over the bar with Top Fry custodian Ronny Kagunzi beaten.

Bandari coach Twahir Muhidin sensed danger and benched John macharia, Kennedy Oduor and David Naftali for Kepha Aswani, Victor Ndinya and Patilla Omotto, which increased the match tempo.

Muhidin admitted his boys failed click but promised to play better against Kenya Commercial Bank on Saturday in their next match in Nairobi.

“We have to review the game and see where we need to improve,” said Muhidin.

Top Fry coach Peter Okidi was disappointed with the results. “We aimed at maximum points especially at home but it did not work our way,” he said.

At the Hope Centre ground, City Stars were forced to a barren draw by Chemelil Sugar.

The hosts started on a high note pinning their opponents to their half as George Abege scored after ten minutes but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 23rd minute, goalkeeper Jairus Adira punched out Jimmy Bageya’s shot.            —Reports by: Ben Ahenda, Rebecca Gichana and Gilbert Wandera.