Gor rise to third with Sofapaka win

Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna (right) tackles Elly Asieche of Sofapaka during their SportPesa Premier league match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on February 17, 2019. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE |

What you need to know:

  • A spirited counter attack by Kogalo in the 24th minute saw Onyango slam his second goal of the season past stranded Sofapaka goalkeeper Justine Ndikumana following a superb combination with Tuyisenge

  • Francis Kahata nearly sent Gor 2-0 up in the 48th minute when he collected a loose ball inside the box but he fumbled

  • Oliech missed a sitter at the death when his connection at the back post flew wide

Gor Mahia moved to third place on the SportPesa Premier League log with a hard fought 1-0 win over Sofapaka at Afraha Stadium on Saturday.

Samuel Onyango scored the all-important goal for the champions on 24 minutes to decide the fiercely contested encounter.

It was a sweet win for the Green army who had just returned to Kenya after losing 2-1 to Angolan side Petro Atletico in the Caf Confederation Cup in midweek.

Gor coach Hassan Oktay was elated by his charges for holding on against tough customers like Sofapaka.

“The pressure in the Caf and domestic league is very high but I am proud of my boys as they are containing the heat,” said Oktay.

Sofapaka coach John Baraza rued missed chances for their defeat.

“Gor had their chance and never squandered it, that made the whole difference in this match. The game was well balanced and any team could have emerged the winner. The league is still in the early stages and we shall catch up in our subsequent matches,” said Baraza.

But it was the Batoto ba Mungu who took the game into their opponents earning an early corner at the quarter hour through Elly Asieche but it did not bear any fruit.

Earlier Jacques Tuyisenge saw his glancing header miss the target in the 14th minute as Gor stepped up pressure for an opener.

A spirited counter attack by Kogalo in the 24th minute saw Onyango slam his second goal of the season past stranded Sofapaka goalkeeper Justine Ndikumana following a superb combination with Tuyisenge.

Onyango should have doubled his side's advantage in the 36th minute when he made a brilliant solo move and lifted the ball but his shot hit the side net.

Two minutes before the breather Gor continued with their tale of missed chances when Kenneth Muguna powerful header sailed over the bar.

On resumption Sofapaka coach John Baraza made three changes resting Brian Magonya, Pistone Mutamba and Umar Kasumba and introduced Ibrahim Kitawi, Steve Waruru and Tevin Omutere.

Francis Kahata nearly sent Gor 2-0 up in the 48th minute when he collected a loose ball inside the box but he fumbled. He was later withdrawn for George Odhiambo.

Oktay also rested Muguna and  Tuyisenge and brought in Lawrence Juma and Dennis Oliech. Oliech missed a sitter at the death when his connection at the back post flew wide.