Kariobangi Sharks attack hapless Gor Mahia, AFC draw

Gor Mahia Jacques Tuyisenge (right) and Thomas Teka of Kariobangi Sharks battle During SPL match at Kasarani Stadium yesterday. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Hapless Gor Mahia suffered their second defeat in a row to a resurgent Kariobangi Sharks in the Sportpesa Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

Duke Abuya scored the lone goal in the 17th minute after collecting a long range pass from Patilah Omotto and beating Boniface Oluoch in the Gor Mahia goal with his first touch of the ball.

Sharks also won the Community Shield against Gor Mahia by a similar margin at the same venue three weeks ago.

Gor Mahia only threw everything into the match in the second half where they created numerous chances and could not convert.

Humphrey Mieno tested John Oyemba who remained impressive all afternoon in the Sharks goal with a long range effort at the hour mark but there was no one to send home the rebound in the clearest chance for the league’s defending champions.

The loss signals a bad start for Gor Mahia who have a crowded fixture between now and January 11th when they host Cameroonian side New Stars in a Confederation’s Cup match.

The team failed to make it to the group stages of the Champions League after being eliminated by Lobi Stars of Nigeria.

At Machakos Stadium, Tusker picked their second win in a row after stopping new comers KCB 3-1.

Tusker went ahead in the fifth minute through defender Lloyd Wahome before Simon Abuko cancelled the lead ten minutes later.

In the 20th minute Sydney Ochieng restored Tusker’s lead then Timothy Otieno scored the third in the 78th minute.

At Afraha Stadium, Mathare United edged out Posta Rangers 2-1 to go top of the log.

After several fruitless attempts in the first quarter, Kevin Kimani drew the first blood for the slum boys in the 21st minute from a direct free-kick outside the box to displace Posta custodian Levis Opiyo with a classic powerful drive to lead by the solitary goal at the break.

In the second half, the slum boys dictated the proceedings in the first two quarters and it did not come as a surprise when Cliff Nyakeya took advantage of a deflection by custodian Opiyo (Levis) to stab home Mathare United's second goal in the 53rd minute.

Sensing danger, Rangers head coach Sammy Omollo made three consecutive substitutions by benching Ken Mutendei, Calvin Odongo and Francis Manoa for Ben Juma, Gershon Ikono and Danson Kago respectively.

The changes piled pressure on their opponents as Dennis Ongeri's well taken free kick was parried back into play by Mathare United custodian David Opiyo in the 73rd minute.