Gor Mahia make stunning comeback to edge Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1

 

Nicholas Kipkirui (left) of Gor Mahia battles for the ball with Jacobs Faina of Sofapaka during their Sportpesa Premier League match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on February 17, 2019 [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Gor Mahia rallied from a goal down to edge out Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Machakos Stadium.

The win pushed Gor Mahia to second on the log with 32 points though they have played three matches less than top-placed Sofapaka, who bask on 33 points.

Visiting Homeboyz went ahead in the 51st minute with Luke Namanda completing a defence-splitting pass from Moses Mudavadi.

But two quick goals by second-half substitute Francis Mustafa and Boniface Omondi sealed Gor Mahia’s victory as they thirst for the top spot. 

Despite resting majority of their key players, Gor Mahia dominated in the first half an hour of the game.

Erisa Ssekisambu set up Nicholas Kipkurui in the tenth minute but the former Zoo Kericho forward was blocked from proceeding towards goal. The speedy Luke Namanda won the first corner for Homeboyz from which the visitors could not get much from it.

Gor Mahia hit back and from good play by Boniface Omondi got their first corner which Nicholas Kipkurui took well but it went wide. Ssekimba earned the first caution of the match after a dangerous play on defender Festus Okiring.

Lethal player

The lethal Ugandan forward then put Kirui through on the 25th minute but the latter could not reach out for the ball.

After a barren first half, the visitors shocked Gor Mahia with the opening goal in the 51st minute. Moses Mudavadi split the Gor Mahia backline and placed the ball at the feet of Luke Namanda who made no mistake.

But the lead was short-lived as Gor Mahia clawed back first in the 66th minute from second-half substitute Francis Mustafa who had come on for Nicholas Kipkurui. Two minutes later, it was all over for the visitors with Bernard Omondi grabbing the winner from a goal mouth melee.

Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti blamed lack of concentration for his side’s loss. “This is one of the weakest Gor Mahia sides and we could not beat them. It means we have a lot to do. Our concentration while under pressure left a lot to be desired and it is something we need to work on,” he said.

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay said he was sure of such a comeback having analysed their opponents during the first half. “We needed to concentrate more as a team considering the players are fatigued.