Mathews Tegisi’s late equalizer denied Kenya’s reigning champions Gor Mahia three points on Wednesday evening in a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.
Gor Mahia thought they had it all with Christopher Ochieng’s strike just two minutes into the second half but Mathew Tegisi’s header in the 94th minute denied them the opportunity to reduce the points deficit to the league leaders KCB.
The draw ended Zedekiah Otieno’s good run of four consecutive wins, leaving them in fourth place on 18 points, five points behind KCB and one point ahead of the seventh-placed Shabana. However, K’Ogalo still has two games in hand.
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Gor Mahia could have taken the lead in the fifth minute, but Ochieng’s header went just wide after a brilliant setup from Alpha Onyango. In the 11th minute, Tegisi wasted a golden opportunity after Brian Michira provided him a sensational assist, but his shot went close to the left corner.
Gor Mahia knocked on the Tore Bobe’s door with further attempts from Enock Morrison and Alpha but luck was not on their side. The first half ended in a cagey affair as both teams failed to score.
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In the second half, coach Zico made immediate substitutions, bringing on Sharrif Musa and Samuel Kapen for Bryson Wangai and Paul Ochouga.
Just one minute after the restart, Kapen delivered a long throw into the box that Ochieng headed home to break the deadlock.
Alpha came close to doubling Gor Mahia’s lead in the 60th minute with another header that went wide. Both teams pressed for more goals as Shabana sought an equalizer while Gor Mahia aimed to secure a second goal for safety.
However, Gor Mahia was reduced to ten men when Morrison received a second yellow card after a rough play on Michira, giving Shabana a free kick in the 92nd minute.
Michira stepped up to take the free kick, delivering it swiftly into the box where Tegisi headed the ball past Gad Matthews to equalize. Soon after, the referee called it a day, and the two teams shared the spoils.
Next up for Gor Mahia is a match against Police FC on Saturday, while Shabana will face league leaders KCB on the same day at Gusii Stadium.
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