Ivorian forward Gnamien Gislain Yikpe opened his goal account in the league in style by grabbing a brace as reigning champions Gor Mahia edged AFC Leopards 4-1 in the 88th Mashemeji Derby played at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani on Sunday 10th November.
After a goalless first half that was dominated by Ingwe, Yikpe scored the opener in the 55th minute via a powerful header off a Kenneth Muguna cross and doubled the lead in the 64th minute after a nice exchange of passes with the impressive Clifton Miheso. Miheso found the back of the net in the 79th minute with a hard shot from the edge of the box after a nice cutback from captain Kenneth Muguna. Tresor Ndikumuna reduced the deficit with a well-taken goal in the 82nd minute but Lawrence Juma sealed the win for K’Ogalo with two minutes to stoppage time.
Gor now moves to the top of the log with 18 points with two matches on hand. Coach Steven Polack, enjoyed his first Mashemeji Derby, praised his charges but urged them to be consistent in their performance.
“It feels good to win a local derby but the first half definitely belonged to AFC Leopards but they did not take their chances. Our halftime pep talk changed everything for us and we played better in the second half. I laud the boys for the effort but we have 27 more league games and we have to replicate the performance,” he said after the match.
Saturday 9 November
Kisumu AllStars 1-0 Kariobangi Sharks
Posta Rangers 3-0 Chemelil Sugar
KCB 1-1 Tusker
Sunday 10 November
Gor Mahia 4-1 AFC Leopards
Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0
Western Stima Zoo 2-1 Nzoia Sugar
Sofapaka 2-1 Wazito
Sony Sugar 2-3 Mathare United
Ulinzi Stars 1-0 Bandari