Johnathan McKinstry’s decision to rotate the Gor Mahia squad with one eye on the Shabana FC clash cost him dear as Bidco United held firm to force a barren draw in an FKFPL encounter played at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Benson Omala had a chance to make it his eighth goal of the season when Lawrence Juma set him through on goal, but the 22-year-old hitman hit the ball wide.
Moments later, Kevin Juma had a chance to score himself from a set piece routine, but his left-footed shot from just outside the area sailed just wide of John Otieno’s net.
Bidco started the better of the two sides and should have gone ahead two minutes into the second half when Chris Opondo released Sharrif Musa on goal, but the former Kariobangi Shars attacking midfielder took too long to make a decision, allowing Gor custodian Kevin Omondi to save the ball.
McKinstry decided to make changes in efforts to put his team ahead, bringing on Austin Odhiambo for Rogers Ouma and Boniface Omondi for Rodgers Mugisha.
Odhiambo should have scored a goal himself moments after coming on but his left-footed attempt sailed wide off target.
The game then became evenly matched for the next few minutes, until K’Ogalo got a chance from a corner kick. Austin Odhiambo whipped in a ball which caused confusion in the Bidco box, but Omala’s header was not enough to break the deadlock.
The Green Army had yet another chance to go ahead in the 67th minute when Omondi tore down the right flank at pace before whipping in a dangerous cross into the box, but no striker managed to get on the end of his cross.
In the 85th minute a strike from substitute Brian Mboya forced Kevin Omondi into making a reflex save after a cleverly constructed corner kick routine.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a point, which now keeps Gor Mahia second in the league with 17 points, while Bidco United remains in the top six with 11 points.