Three goals in the opening half were all Gor Mahia needed to down Lobi Stars of Nigeria in the CAF Champions League group stage qualifier match played at Kasarani stadium today.
It was an entertaining match with the home team stamping their authority and controlling the opening half. A performance that was decorated with three fantastic goals from striker Jaques Tuyisenge just seven minutes into the match before Samuel Onyango added two more later.
The chief architect of assists was midfielder Francis Kahata who had a scintillating performance – a class above the opponents from Nigeria.
It took Kahata just seven minutes to set Tuyisenge through with a neat pass that caught defenders flat foot. The Rwandese striker raced into the box and unleashed unstoppable thunderbolt to open the goals account for K’Ogalo.
Enjoying the home support and the good weather, the home boys took total control of the match – knocking at Lobi Stars’ goal with every minute that elapsed.
On the 21st minute, Samuel Onyango got into the score sheet with a wonderful bicycle-kick after Kahata had missed a header right in the six yard box.
Lobi Stars pulled one back on the 29th minute with a header from a corner kick but more was to follow as Gor Mahia pressed harder for a goal.
Kahata who had been the launch pad of attacks on the left side was the man again as he set Samuel Onyango through with a pass that left Lobi Stars defenders rooted to their grounds. Onyango rounded off the oncoming goalkeeper, took his time in the six yard box before netting the third goal with some confidence that left the vistors wondering what exactly was happening at Kasarani stadium.
Second half was more balanced as the visitors pushed harder while Gor Mahia did their best to contain the pressure they were being subjected to.
Tuyisenge would have made it a brace for himself and a fourth goal for Gor Mahia on the 62nd minute when he raced into the box, looped the ball over the keeper only to place his effort just inches over the cross-bar with an empty net staring at him.
Very little unfolded thereafter with the home team looking contented with score line while visitors finding it hard to get the better side of their opponents.
Gor Mahia did three substitutes as Kenneth Muguna came in for Jaques Tuyisenge, George Odhiambo took Samuel Onyango’s place as Cercidy Okeyo came in for Ernest Wendo.
3-1 in ended and Gor Mahia will be going to Nigeria next week with a lot of hopes of qualifying to Champions League group stage for the first time in many years.