AFC Leopards halts Sony Sugar perfect run as Kogalo held by Thika United

Allan Wanga-Photo Courtesy

By Fredrick Nadulli,

THIKA UTD 0-0 GOR MAHIA

Gor Mahia’s 100% record got a blemish today,albeit with a point gained,when they were held to a barren draw by Thika Utd.The catch-up match,played at Thika United’s adopted home of City stadium saw Gor’s green army turn up in their usual multitudes to spur on their side,but the home team,true to their fashion,remained unfazed.

They were content to sit back and soak in the pressure,employing fast breaks with their frontmen Mike Olunga and Moses Arita making inroads.Fist  half ended square. Pressure eventually told when Gor won a penalty on 49 minutes after Vincent Omumbo handled in the box.

Up stepped cucumber cool Danny Sserunkuma,two penalties under his belt in the champions league against US Bitam and Esperance.He failed when it mattered most.His fellow countryman Hamza Muwonge,between the sticks for Thika,punched
away his spotkick for a fruitless corner.The fans were left cursing their luck,and memories of a similar draw on the last day two seasons ago sprung to mind,when Thika denied Gor the victory they craved to be crowned champions at the same venue.

The priceless point lifted the champs to 3rd on the log.

AFC LEOPARDS 1-0 SONY:

Six kilometres away at the Nyayo Stadium,Leopards,seeking their first win this season, welcomed Sony Sugar,themselves unbeaten thus far and enjoying a good run.AFC could not have hoped for a better start when Allan Wanga fired them into the lead on 33 minutes.

Allan Wanga celebrated the goal with a trademark jig and the fans could not help sensing victory at last.This was a game that had so much stakes,and Leopards’ time wasting tactics,especially goalkeeper Martin Musalia when they took the lead alluded to that fact.

Amos Asembeka came in for Marwa Chamberi on 66 minutes as Sony pressed forward,but the Nairobi side hung on to their precious lead,much to the relief of their faithful.The victory propelled them to more familiar territory,after weeks in the lower
reaches.