Record Kenya football league Champions Gor Mahia were on Monday held to a one-one draw at Raila Odinga Stadium by arch-rivals AFC Leopards.
Result of the thrilling football match have, however, diminished Gor Mahia’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the upteemth time this season. Gor will now be hoping for serious slip-ups from Kenya Police and third-placed Tusker FC if they are to get back in contention.
With only two matches left in the season Gor Mahia have now moved to second place with 55 points, six behind Police.
Austin Odhiambo opened the scoreline in 31st minute with a sizzling shot and Gor playing before a mammoth fan-base dominated play in the first half of the match only for things to change drastically after the break.
Barely five minutes into the second half Brian Wanyama pounced on a defense error to level the score and from that point Gor’s defense was tense, under pressure and not so well-coordinated as it usually is.
Interim coach Zedekiah “Zizo” Otieno would take a swipe at the defense after the game saying:
“Lack of concentration in defense cost us. Our previous game we conceded from a throw in, today again a very easy set piece, it’s a concern. But I think it’s something we can work on going forward,” said Zizo, adding “I’m very disappointed because this is a match we had planned on how to win. We were leading until that lapse in defense.”
In the 84th minute K’Ogalo was denied a penalty following a tussle in the box and from that point to the final whistle the Green Army was a pale shadow of itself.
Perhaps they had good reason for playing a tense game as among supporters in the stands was none other than former Premier Raila Amollo Odinga who is also a patron of the club.
Also present were CS Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Senator Moses Kajwang among thousands of passionate football fans.
Governor Gladys Atieno Wanga hailed the epic 97th Mashemeji Derby as full of energy and unforgettable legacy.
Hosting the game as well as the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations have placed Homabay County at the focus of national debate and media coverage.
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