Gor Mahia, Tusker cruise as KRA shock Leopards
PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU Gor Mahia's Rama Salim (left) dribbles past and Bethwel Warambo of KCB during their Tusker Premier League match at City Stadium April 9, 2014. Gor won 3-2.
What you need to know:
- At the Afraha stadium in Nakuru, Top Fry AllStars and Bandari shared the spoils in a barren stalemate as City Stars and high-flying Chemelil Sugar battled to a similar scoreline at the Hope Centre in Kawangware.
- For champions Gor, it was a good day out as they picked their first win in five matches after holding on last minute pressure from Kenyan Commercial Bank to cruise 3-2.
- In Machakos, Sofapaka laboured to narrow 2-1 win over the 2008 champions Mathare United. Collins Shivachi and Enock Agwanda were on target for the Batoto Ba Mungu while Noah Abich pulled one for the Slum Boys.
Gor Mahia and Tusker cruised to crucial wins in their respective Tusker Premier League matches on Wednesday as AFC Leopards fell to a shock 0-1 defeat in the hands of debutants Kenya Revenue Authority at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium.
At the Afraha stadium in Nakuru, Top Fry AllStars and Bandari shared the spoils in a barren stalemate as City Stars and high-flying Chemelil Sugar battled to a similar scoreline at the Hope Centre in Kawangware.
PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH Top Fry Nakuru AllStars' defender Bernard Odhiambo (left) vies with Justus Anene of Bandari FC in a Tusker Premier League encounter at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on April 9, 2014. The teams drew 0-0.
Thika United also failed to go past 10-man Muhoroni Youth in a 2pm contest staged at the Nairobi City Stadium after battling to a goalless draw.
TUSKER WIN
At the Ruaraka Stadium, a Jesse Were strike was enough to send ten time champions Tusker to 18 points, four above second placed Chemelil Sugar.
For champions Gor, it was a good day out as they picked their first win in five matches after holding on last minute pressure from Kenyan Commercial Bank to cruise 3-2.
Rama Salim, Innocent Mutiso and David Owino powered Gor to a strong 3-0 lead before Crispin Onyango’s goal and late penalty by Paul Kiongera brought the bankers agonizingly close to earning a point, but it was too little too late.
Gor, who lack sponsors, had their players line up for the clash without the traditional TUZO branded jerseys - a development that officially signified the end of a three year long multi-million financial association with giant milk processing firm. The team opted for a new look unbranded green stripped white jersey and marching shorts.
Across town at the re-branded Safaricom Stadium, James Nandwa's woes deepened as he watched his side succumb to a 0-1 loss to newly promoted KRA.
KATAKA'S GOAL
Geoffrey Kataka scored the all-important goal at the stroke of halftime, tapping home a low cross from teammate Roosevelt Blaty.
PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO KRA Geoffrey Kataka (right) celebrates his goal with teammate Rodgers Ochieng during their Tusker Premier League match against AFC Leopards at Safaricom Stadium on April 9, 2014.
At the Mumias Sports Complex, Ulinzi Stars nailed their first win of the league this season, aided by a 12th minute strike from forward Stephen Waruru, an outcome that elated Ulinzi coach Robert Matano.
"I have done it before (change a team's fortunes) and will do it again with Ulinzi," the fierce tactician charged after the match.
In Machakos, Sofapaka laboured to narrow 2-1 win over the 2008 champions Mathare United. Collins Shivachi and Enock Agwanda were on target for the Batoto Ba Mungu while Noah Abich pulled one for the Slum Boys.
By Isaac Swila, Cellestine Olilo, Francis Mureithi and Titus Maero.
