AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia to win GOtv Shield

AFC Leopards have been crowned champions of the Football Kenya Federation GOtv Shield after beating Gor Mahia 1-0 in the final on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Peter Opiyo scored the all-important goal as Ingwe celebrated their cup success in style against the Kenyan Premier League champions. Leopards’ fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle as Gor Mahia fans watched from the stands in disbelief.

It was fast-paced game, one that brought together the two most successful clubs in Kenyan football.

LAST MEETING

Since 1991, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards had not met in the final of a domestic cup competition.

Gor Mahia were still enjoying their first success in the Kenyan Premier League after 18 years, having last won the league title in 1995. And they were seeking a double on Sunday, their first since 1987 when they also lifted the Africa Cup Winners Cup.

Gor Mahia dominated the first-half, pinning AFC Leopards in their own half. Dan Serunkuma, the chief assassin whenever AFC Leopards play Gor Mahia, tormented Leopards’ defence, but failed to make an impact.

FIRST-HALF

After a barren first-half, AFC Leopards broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second-half when Noah Wafula beat Musa Mohammed on the left flank then angled a pass that met Peter Opiyo who tapped home.

Opiyo’s goal came against the run of play as Gor Mahia had enjoyed possession but they lacked the cutting edge.

Coach Bobby Williamson made quick changes in the second-half, introducing Paul Kiongera for Anthony Akumu, Kevin Omondi for Joseph Wanyonyi and Edwin Lavatsa for Innocent Mutiso.

The changes brought some punch in the K’ogalo attack, but Gor did not find a way past the organised Leopards defence, marshalled by Augustine Etemesi, Anthony Kimani, Jackson Saleh and Abdalla Juma.

Gor’s Dan Serunkuma found the going tough as he had no shot on target, with the rest of the strikers looking lost in the game as Leopards held on to the lead.

Leopards started chanting towards the 90th minute and with Gor Mahia struggling, it was clear where the trophy was headed. Gor’s last effort was a corner kick which AFC easily dealt with and when referee Davies Omweno sounded the final whistle, Ingwe celebrated their first victory over Gor in two years when it mattered most, in the final of the domestic cup.

Their fans thronged the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate the famous victory.

Gor Mahia had dominated the competition, beating Sofapaka in the last two editions and it took a good game plan from AFC Leopards who have been in fine form since the arrival of coach James Nandwa. They defended resolutely and their attack was with purpose.

“It is my greatest day as a football coach,” said AFC Leopards coach James Nandwa. “I have achieved part of the job I set out to accomplish.”

AFC Leopards will represent Kenya in the CAF Confederations Cup as Gor Mahia carry the country’s flag in the CAF Champions League.