Gor Mahia bottle up Tusker

Bandari FC Goalkeeper Michael Wanyika against Gor Mahia during their Super Cup match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on 18/08/19.[Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Kenneth Muguna scored a brace and gave two assists as champions Gor Mahia started their title defence bid with a 5-2 win over Tusker at Moi Stadium in Kisumu yesterday.

In form Nicholas Kipkirui gave the record Kenyan champions a goal in the 26th minute as he went past goal keeper Robert Mboya before Boniface Muchiri equalised for Ulinzi with a stunning right corner shot 10 minutes later.

Miguna restored K’Ogalo’s lead after the break from the penalty spot after Wellington Ochieng was brought down by Hillary Wandera, slotting home from a rebound which Mboya failed to hold on to.

Muchiri restored parity once again with a 20 yard volley before Charles Momanyi headed home to give Gor the lead again three minutes later.

Captain Muguna grabbed his second goal seven minutes later before Boniface Omondi increased the host’s advantage with a near-post finish in extra time.

The win moved the defending champions to the top of the Kenya Premier League table with three points followed by KCB, who thumped Sony Sugar 3-0 in Awendo, thanks to goals from Enock Agwanda, Dennis Odhiambo and Stephen Waruru.

Speaking after the win, Gor Mahia head coach Steve Polack said he was impressed with his team’s second half performance.

“We started well but lacked the firepower in front of goal. But I am happy the boys came back after the break aggressive and resilient. Congratulations to them and thanks too to the fans for their support,” he said.

Gor Mahia started on a high note with Dickson Ambundo and Omondi attacking from the Tusker’s left and right wings.

Kipkirui could have given Gor the lead in the eighth minute after Muguna’s right foot shot to the corner was stopped by Mboya but he could not convert the rebound.

The former Zoo Kericho striker, however, put K’Ogalo ahead after 26 minutes with a right foot shot to the far right corner after collecting a cross.

Lawrence Jumah then unleashed a shot that hit the left post before Muchiri levelled the scores for Coach Robert Matano’s side.