Gor Mahia’s win-less run continues as they were held 1-1 by the host Nzoia Sugar in a midweek match played at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
K’Ogalo took the lead in the first half through George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo before Nzoia equalized in the 60th minute of the game.
Gor Mahia went to Sudi fired up from recent criticism. The starting lineup, reflecting recent upheavals in the dressing room with star forwards Jules Ulimwengu and Benson Omala all missing leaving the Sando Yangayay to spearhead the attack flanked by Blackberry and Boniface Omondi.
Philemon Otieno was deployed in midfield to shield the defense with Dennis Ng’ang’a who had been transitioning into a center back returning to left-back.
K’Ogalo were relentless in the opening minutes forcing four corners in the opening ten minutes but non of the in-swingers yielded any goals.
They pummeled Nzoia Sugar from both flanks and forced their hosts rearguards into desperate clearances until Nzoia could no not withstand it.
No longer able to cope with the torrent of attacks in their penalty box Nzoia central midfielder Kevin Juma upended Gor Mahia’s attacking import Sando Yangayay in a tackle adjudged to be illegal. Rejuvenated Blackberry stepped up and sent Benson Mangala the wrong way to give K’Ogalo the lead.
Falling behind left Nzoia no choice but to go hunting for a leveler. Collins Wakhungu and James Kibande slowly got in the grove, causing trouble to Gor Mahia’s rejigged back-line. The visitors now with tails up defended gallantly and carried their lead into halftime.
Nzoia returned from the break more spirited after an impressive spell towards the end of first 45 minutes. With Wakungu increasingly tormenting K’Ogalo’s rearguard stand-in coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo rested Sando Yangayay for Peter Lwasa but it was the hosts who increased their tempo.
They were rewarded in the 58th minute when the impressive Kibande pounced on a lose ball outside Gor Mahia’s penalty box and let fly a rasping shot that left Adama Keita mesmerized. Nzoia’s celebration was modest as they quickly urged restart, confident of getting on the scoresheet once more to claim all points.
