The Kenya Premier league leaders Gor Mahia edged out AFC Leopards 5-4 on post-match penalties in yesterday’s Hull City Challenge Cup played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. The Green Army, apart from earning the bragging rights, will now face off with the English Championship side Hull City in a historic encounter on May 13th at Kasarani, Nairobi.
It is the fifth time in a row that AFC Leopards has failed to beat their arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
The Leopards custodian Ezekiel Owade put up an impressing performance keeping the aggressive K’ogallo side at bay. Despite Gor Mahia resting nearly half of their first team players, they had nine shots on target with Owade making sure they were dealt with. AFC Leopards on the other hand had just three shots on target with Boniface Oluoch, coming from a one-match suspension for K’ogallo, largely undisturbed for nearly entire match.
Gor Mahia were the better side enjoying plenty of possession with Kevin Omondi coming close to scoring at thirty-minute mark.
The Big Cats started the second half on a high note forcing two quick corners which were easily dealt with by Boniface Oluoch. At the hour mark, Moses Mburu became the first player to be caused for a tackle on Lawrence Juma with Gor Mahia winning a free kick, which was easily dealt with by Owade.
Jacques Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere came in for Kevin Omondi and Ephraim Guikan respectively and their impact was immediately felt up front. Gor Mahia created more chances and came close to breaking the deadlock towards the end of the match through the substitute Meddie Kagere.
Just before the match ended, Boniface Oluoch was rested for Shabaan Odhonji, who played a vital part in the penalty shoot-out.
Speaking after the match ended, Dylan Kerr (Gor) had some nice words on his players
“Philemon Otieno was fantastic today. I could not start with my regulars for fear of injuries with the focus on Rayon match.” Kerr
And this is what Kerr had to say concerning their upcoming match against Rayon Sports, “I have watched Rayon Sports match against Sundowns, they have a strong forward but weak defence that I will capitalize on.” Kerr
On his side’s number one goalkeeper, Kerr said that he personally recommended Shabaan Odhonji as Boniface told him he was not confident at the penalties.
“We will focus on Sunday’s match, we will leave for Kigali on Saturday morning.” Kerr
Report compiled by BOAZ OYIER
