Gor Mahia returned to winning ways as they triumphed 2-0 over Sofapaka on Wednesday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos during the rescheduled Football Kenya Federation Premier League match.
The defending champions, who had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tusker FC at the same stadium on Sunday, found their winning goals through Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng in the first half and Musa Sharrif in the second.
The victory sees Gor Mahia remain in fourth place with 27 points, six points behind league leaders Police FC who have played a game extra.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka’s unbeaten run was halted after six matches, leaving them in sixth place with 24 points.
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Speaking after the match, Gor Mahia head coach Zico praised his players for their performance.
“I think we played really well today. I’m very grateful to the players,” Zico told Azam TV. “Once we scored the second goal, there was no doubt we were going to win.”
On the other hand, Sofapaka’s Ezekiel Akwana criticized the officiating.
“We played well today, but honestly, the referee was biased. It felt like he didn’t want us to win, especially with the second goal that should not have counted,” Akwana told Azam TV.
“I believe poor decisions from the officials cost us the match.”
The first 15 minutes saw both teams unable to break the deadlock.
However, Gor Mahia took the lead in the 16th minute through Geofrey Simiti who headed in a delicious free kick from Enock Morrison on the left wing.
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Sofapaka nearly equalized in the 25th minute when Edward Omondi’s shot, following a fine cross from the left wing, sailed wide of the goal.
Gor Mahia were forced to make an early substitution as Bryson Wangai was injured and replaced by Sharrif in the 28th minute.
Omondi squandered another opportunity in the 41st minute, his shot going over the bar, while three minutes later, Baron Ochieng’s shot from the right wing was too powerful and also went over the bar.
Though Gor Mahia had other chances in the first half, it was Sofapaka who struggled to capitalize on their few opportunities, handing Gor the slender lead at halftime.
In the second half, Sharrif came close to doubling Gor Mahia’s lead with a right-footed shot in the 47th minute but it went over the bar.
Baron tried again for Sofapaka in the 54th minute but Gor Mahia goalkeeper Kevin Omondi made a solid save.
A few minutes later, Rogers Ouma had another opportunity to extend Gor Mahia’s lead, but his shot in the 57th minute also went over the bar.
After several attempts, Sharrif finally found the back of the net, securing Gor Mahia’s second goal.
However, there was controversy surrounding the goal, with some claiming it hadn’t crossed the line, while others insisted it had.
Despite a commendable effort from both teams, Gor Mahia held on for the 2-0 victory, claiming three vital points as they prepare to face Kakamega Homeboyz over the weekend while Sofapaka will play Shabana.
AFC Leopards VS KCB
Elsewhere at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, AFC Leopards produced a goal-fest, dismantling KCB 4-2 to deepen their woes and shatter their title hopes.
Kennedy Owino, Ovella Ochieng, and Kelly Madada’s brace were on target for Leopards, who enjoyed a resurgence following their 4-2 win over Talanta FC the previous weekend.
KCB’s Stephen Etyang and Francis Kahiro scored, but their efforts were not enough to salvage a draw.
KCB dropped five points over two consecutive matches, leaving them in third place with 28 points, while Fred Ambani’s side moved up to fifth place with 25 points.
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