Gor Mahia asserted their dominance over arch-rivals AFC Leopards beating them 2-0 in a riveting Football Kenya Federation Premier League clash held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In the 94th edition of Kenya’s most captivating football spectacle, the two titans clashed in a fierce encounter on a charged Saturday.
Thousands of fervent fans flocked to witness the showdown, having secured their spots through e-ticketing, with security personnel ensuring a smooth and secure environment for the highly anticipated match.
Gor Mahia dominated the match from the start as they searched for an early goal which would have unsettled the Ingwe defense.
In the sixth minute, AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo was forced into an early save from Austin Odhiambo’s strike.
The hosts broke down the right-hand side and Cliff Nyakeya played a dangerous cross into the K’Ogalo box, and Kelvin Omondi produced a good save to deny the young full-back at the near-post.
AFC Leopards were struggling to contain the visitors and Benson Omalla, who was looking lively down the left-hand side for Gor, forced Opiyo into a brilliant save with a curling effort.
Gor Mahia then claimed the ascendancy in the 25th minute with Benson Omalla sending a looping pass past Ingwe goalkeeper Levis Opiyo.
With the half-time break fast approaching, Brian Yakhama broke down the right-hand side after Gor Mahia defender Emery Bayisenge had miscued his header. But Miheso’s attempted cross to Victor Otieno was easily claimed by Owino.
It should have been 2-0 to Gor Mahia at the stroke of half-time when Omala was sent through on goal, but Opiyo made a fantastic save from a one-on-one situation to deny the attacker.
AFC Leopards dominated possession after the restart, but they were wasteful in front of goal as Boniface Kweyu failed to control the ball well after being sent through on goal.
Nyakeya fired over the crossbar from inside the Gor Mahia box after being sent up by Musa Oundo as pressure mounted on the K’Ogalo defense.
Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s side continued to attack after taking the lead and Omalla grabbed his second goal to make it 2-0 to Gor Mahia in the 57th minute with Sibomana providing the assist.
Tom Juma then reacted with Otieno and Musa Oundo making way for Yassin Sije and Jaffari Owiti as the hosts went in search of an equalizer.
Omondi was simply unbeatable on the day as he produced three brilliant saves in quick succession to deny Yakhama and Odhimabo.
Gor Mahia then sat back in the closing stages of the match and in the end, they emerged 2-0 winners over AFC Leopards on the day.