NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 21 – Goalkeeper Levis Opiyo’s first half mistake handed Gor Mahia a goal that saw them beat arch rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 in the Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Opiyo had tried to play out from the back pressed by Austin Odhiambo and Benson Omalla, and the former managed to block his pass into the net.
K’Ogalo managed to defend the goal, though they had to play 50 minutes of the game with 10 men after keeper Kevin Omondi was sent off for a last man foul.
The victory sees Gor complete a home and away sweep of their bitter rivals, as they move nine points clear top of the FKF Premier League standings.
Gor rewarded for a strong start
Gor had a good start to the game and just five minutes in should have had a goal but Rooney Onyango and Omalla saw their chances go begging.
Onyango had made a daunting run on the right before laying the ball for Musa Masika, whose shot was blocked. The ball somehow trickled to Onyango who had completed his run inside the box, but his effort was saved by keeper Opiyo and the rebound headed wide by Omalla.
It was the first sign for AFC that Gor had come in for business. In the 18th minute they had another chance when Bryson Wangai played a quick one two with Shariff Musa on the left, but the former’s shot was saved by Opiyo.
They even came closer in the 25th minute when a defensive mishap in the AFC backline saw Austin Odhiambo pick the ball at the edge of the box but his low shot came off the base of the upright.
On the half hour mark, the pressure bore fruit. Gor pressed high when Opiyo started a goalkick short with his defender Ken Owino and when the ball was played back to his keeper, he tried to kick it away but Austin blocked it into the net.
AFC handed numerical advantage
Five minutes later, AFC were handed a good path back into the game when Gor were reduced to 10 men after keeper Omondi was red carded.
The shot stopper had sped off his line to cut out Victor Omune who had been sent through by Vincent Mahiga, but instead, he cluttered down the forward.
Gor had to sacrifice an infield player and Musa Masika was substituted, his place taken by second choice keeper Caleb Omondi.
AFC’s closest chance at goal was at the stroke of 45 minutes when Clifton Miheso dived in for a header from a cross, but it flew straight into the keeper’s arms.
In the second half, AFC leopards piled in the pressure looking to make the most of their numerical advantage, but they couldn’t find an equalizer.
