Gor Mahia shoot down Ulinzi to go nine points clear

Champions Gor Mahia opened a nine-point atop the SportPesa Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars in their rescheduled match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Saturday.

A first half strike from Francis Kahata and Jacques Tuyisenge's second in the second period were enough for the 16-time champions to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 17 matches.

Gor have 43 points, nine more than second placed Sofapaka, who have played three more games than K’ogalo.

The visitors were fast off the blocks and raided the soldiers with flair and deservedly took the lead on 19 minutes after George “Blackberry" Odhiambo picked a loose ball outside the area and rounded two of his markers before squaring the ball to Kahata to finish the move.

Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr started with his strongest squad, which he has mostly used for continental assignments, with Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere upfront while Kahata, Humphrey Mieno and Ernest Wendo partnered in midfield.

Skipper Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango were paired at the heart of the defence while Philemon Otieno and Godfrey Walusimbi operated from their preferred positions as wingbacks.

Ulinzi should have levelled matters in the 25th minute when midfielder Daniel Waweru found himself with acres of space, but his volley was gathered by Gor custodian Boniface Oluoch - who had easy time between the sticks.

On resumption, the soldiers were more energetic and attacked with purpose, perhaps a sign that the half-time pep talk from a frustrated coach Dunstan Nyaudo - who has now gone five matches without a win - might work.

Elvis Nandwa missed a sitter just three minutes after the restart. But if Nandwa's miss was unbelievable, Mohamed “Rio" Hassan's rasping shot in the 59th minute left the soldiers with broken hearts as it hit the upright with goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch well beaten.

A minute later, it was the turn of Gor's utility player Philemon Otieno to thwart an Ulinzi attack on the right side. The composed Otieno, who was acquired from Ushuru FC two seasons ago, cleared a goal bound shot on the goal line as the soldiers frustrations reached climax.

Rwandese import Tuyisenge made sure K’Ogalo bagged maximum points when he capitalised on a goal mouth melee to stab home the second with two minutes from time.

“Ulinzi played a fair game in the second half, however, they should not only play hard when they tackle Gor,” said coach Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr.

“I lack words. We lost two golden opportunities. Why we are not scoring goals in our last five matches is still a big mystery to me,” said a frustrated coach Nyaudo.