The much-anticipated firework match pitting two arch-rivals, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards ended in a 1-1 draw at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani this evening.
AFC opened the score sheet in the 21st minute of the game through their forward Victor Omune, but K’Ogalo neutralized the lead in the second half through striker Benson Omalli in the 51st minute.
Omalla had a clear chance to give K’Ogalo to an early lead in the 12th minute after making a great run behind the defense but Ingwe custodian Levis Opiyo stretched wide punching the ball away for a corner.
A minute later, Cliff Nyakeya found himself in a similar position but the onrushingGad Matthews pressured him to miss the target by inches.
Both teams had their fair chances in the game, but Ingwe took the lead when Gor were having their better spell in the half.
On resumption, Andreas Spiers introduced Sammy Onyango and Peter Lwasa for Austin Omondi and Bonface Omondi in an attempt to stage a comeback. Sammy Onyango almost had an instant impact as he forced Levis Opiyo to a superb shot with one of his trademark long-range efforts.
And the pressure yielded result within five minutes into the second half with Omalla’s leveling amid cheers from K’Ogalo followers, just minutes after President Uhuru Kenyatta had made his way to the VIP stand.
Omala had another chance to seal it for Ingwe after Peter Ng’ang’a gave away the ball but he was denied by Opiyo in a one-on-one situation, keeping the score level with seven minutes left to play.
Samuel Onyango has golden chances in his debut but his effort could only see the ball gis Opiyo’s crossbar. The end result saw both teams share the spoils, but with something to laugh about as both received some speciel giftes from the President.
