Odinga, Kadenge among invited guests as Gor dumps AFC to set sights on Hull City

Jacques Tuyisenge (right) of Gor Mahia battles for the ball with Robinson Kamura of AFC Leopards during their Sportpesa match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. [Joseph Kipsang/Standard]

Gor Mahia edged out bitter rivals AFC Leopards 5-4 on post-match penalties in yesterday’s Hull City Challenge Cup at Afraha Stadium. K’Ogalo have thus earned the right to play English Championship side Hull City on May 13 at Kasarani, Nairobi.

After misses by Jacques Tuyisenge and Whyvonne Isuza, Meddie Kagere, Godfrey Walusimbi, George Odhiambo and Joachim Oluoch scored for Gor Mahia.

Ezekiel Odera, Baker Lukooya, Dancun Otieno and Robinson Kamura scored for Leopards to send it to sudden death shoot-out.

Then Bernard Ondiek scored for Gor Mahia and Vincent Oburu blasted over to hand the KPL champions an opportunity to play Hull City.

AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade put up an impressive first half performance that kept his side in the match. Despite Gor Mahia resting most of their first team players in the first half, the Kenyan champions were still the more aggressive side.

Gor Mahia had nine shots on target with Owade being commanding form.

AFC Leopards on the other hand had just three shots with goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch largerly undisturbed for most of the match.

With the exception of Ezekiel Odera’s first half effort that nearly counted for Leopards, Oluoch who was coming back after a one match suspension had an easy time.

Gor Mahia enjoyed plenty of possession with Kevin Omondi coming close at the half hour mark.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga caused a stir at half time when he landed in a helicopter accompanied by legendary Joe Kadenge.

Leopards started the second half strongly, forcing two quick corners, but Boniface Oluoch denied them.

Moses Mburu became the first player to be cautioned when he received a yellow card at the hour mark for a bad tackle on Lawrence Juma

The impressive Leopards goalkeeper easily dealt with the resultant free kick.

Gor Mahia brought in Jacques Tuyisenge for Kevin Omondi while Ephraim Guikan was rested for Meddie Kagere.

The changes saw Gor Mahia create more chances upfront and came close to breaking the deadlock towards the end of the match.

Meddie Kagere was denied by the outstanding Owade in the 90th minute after being put through from the midfield to send the match into penalty shoot-outs.

Before that Gor Mahia rested goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch for Shaaban Odhonji in readiness for the penalty shoot-out.

Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr said his side wasted many chances and should have won it in normal time.