Reigning SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia edged out rivals AFC Leopards 2-1 to win the 83rd Mashemeji Derby played at the MISC Kasarani on Sunday 22nd July.
Both teams settled fast into the match but it is Gor Mahia who had the first real chance of the match in the 16th minute. Abdalla Salim cleared the ball for a corner under pressure from Jacques Tuyisenge. George Odhiambo took the resultant corner kick but Harun Shakava’s powerful header went inches wide.
Gor Mahia opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Jacques Tuyisenge capitalizing on Abdalla Salim’s intended back pass to slot in past the onrushing Ezekiel Owade. Ingwe however equalised in fashion, Whyvonne Isuza beating Gor Mahia custodian Boniface Oluoch with bicycle kick after a pinpoint cross from youngster Marvin Nabwire just before the break.
Second half
AFC Leopards introduced Alex Orutumal for Marvin Nabwire after the break in an obvious attempt to sharpen their attack. Boniface Oluoch did well to deny Ezekiel Odera from close range after the latter was put through by Isuza with a delightful through ball in the 50th minute. Gor Mahia got what was to be their winning goal just two minutes later, George Odhiambo sending in a left footed volley past Owade after Kahata found him with a cross from the right flank.
Changes
AFC Leopards brought in Eugene Mukangula for Ezekiel Seda and Vincent Oburu for Japhery Odeny in the 74th minute in another obvious attempt to sharpen their frontline. Gor pulled out Jacques Tuyisenge for midseason acquisition Francis Mustafa and Guikan for Sammy Onyango as they held on to win and in the process open a 12-point lead at the top of the log.
