- Gor Mahia FC played to a 1-1 draw with AFC Leopards in an epic Mashemeji Derby held at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
- The result significantly reduced Gor Mahia’s chances of defending their FKF Premier League title.
- Victor Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, and Lewis Bandi were among the standout players who demonstrated resilience in this second leg of the Mashemeji Derby.
Kenya Police now require just a single point from their remaining two fixtures to be crowned Football Kenya Federation (FKF) 2024/25 champions, following Gor Mahia’s 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards on Monday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium.
K’Ogalo approached this game in hand aware that a victory would have cut the gap to four points and revived their title ambitions. However, the stalemate has left their hopes of defending the crown hanging by the thinnest of threads.
In front of a stadium awash in green and white, with only a smattering of Ingwe fans in attendance, Gor Mahia took the lead through Austin Odhiambo, who struck clinically in the first half.
Despite their early dominance, the tide turned after the break when Brian Wanyama fired home the equalizer, disheartening the K’Ogalo faithful who had envisioned a step closer to their 22nd league title.
As the spoils were shared, here’s a breakdown of the players’ performances spotlighting those who impressed and those who faltered.
ALSO READ: Mashemeji Derby Stalemate draws Kenya Police closer to FKF Premier League Title
Gor Mahia player ratings
Gad Mathews– 6/10
Mathews made several crucial saves, especially in the first half, to deny Ingwe potential goals. He cannot be blamed for the equalizer, as his defense failed to react to the second ball that Wanyama converted.
Philemon Otieno– 5/10
The right back struggled defensively, conceding multiple fouls and picking up a yellow card before being substituted after 48 minutes. His forward runs left space behind, which the Leopards’ wingers exploited with ease.
Geoffrey Ochieng – 7/10
Balanced both defense and attack effectively. Though occasionally out of position, he largely succeeded in containing Victor Otieno, who had been threatening with crosses.
Bryton Onyona – 6/10
The versatile midfielder did well to neutralize Christopher Koloti’s threats. His positioning helped disrupt Ingwe’s attacking rhythm.
Alphonce Omija – 5/10
He could have done better to prevent the equalizer, as he allowed Peter Maker too much space to win the header that led to the goal. Still, he made key interventions to thwart Sichenje and Koloti.
Lawrence Juma – 4/10
Juma was largely anonymous, allowing Ingwe midfielders Brian Wanyama and Musa Oundo to dominate proceedings in the center of the park.
Samuel Onyango – 5/10
Much like Juma, Onyango failed to impose himself in midfield. His reluctance to track back left the defense exposed during counter-attacks.
Alpha Onyango – 5/10
His influence was minimal. He struggled with positioning and rarely provided quality passes to the forwards, stifled by Ingwe’s control of the midfield.
Benson Omalla – 7/10
Omalla showed flashes of danger but missed a couple of clear chances. His eagerness to score led to several offside calls, reducing his overall impact.
Austin Odhiambo – 8/10
Gor Mahia’s standout performer. Odhiambo opened the scoring with a well-taken shot and was a consistent threat in the first half. However, he was tightly marked in the second period and saw fewer opportunities.
Ben Stanley – 6/10
Despite some energetic runs, his crosses lacked precision. Lewis Bandi effectively shut down his flank, though Stanley occasionally troubled the Leopards’ backline.
AFC Leopards player ratings
Levis Opiyo – 6/10
Beaten by Odhiambo’s brilliant finish, Opiyo redeemed himself with a couple of solid saves in the second half to secure a point for his side.
Lewis Bandi – 7/10
A composed captain’s performance. Bandi effectively neutralized Gor’s wide threats and maintained solid defensive organization throughout.
Vincent Mahiga – 6/10
Held his ground well on the left, intercepting second balls and limiting Omalla’s influence from that flank.
Kennedy Owino – 6/10
While part of the defense that conceded the goal, Owino recovered well and helped re-establish stability at the back.
Peter Maker Mabok – 7/10
Instrumental in the equalizer, heading the ball into Wanyama’s path. His defensive discipline in the second half helped stifle Gor Mahia’s attacks.
Musa Oundo – 6/10
Oundo was industrious in midfield, particularly after halftime. He helped disrupt Gor Mahia’s buildup and contributed defensively before being subbed off.
Victor Otieno – 8/10
Arguably the man of the match. His dribbling, vision, and relentless forward runs wreaked havoc on Gor Mahia’s defense. He missed a clear chance early on but was key in orchestrating attacks.
Kaycie Odhiambo – 5/10
Put in a decent shift alongside Otieno, helping maintain midfield dominance. However, his finishing let him down, notably skying a late opportunity.
Christopher Koloti – 5/10
A quiet afternoon for Koloti. He was well-marked and failed to convert the few chances that came his way.
Brian Wanyama – 7/10
The hero of the day for AFC Leopards. Despite limited involvement, he made the most of his opportunity, dispatching the equalizer with confidence.
Ronald Sichenje – 6/10
Had a promising start, setting up an early chance for Otieno. Though his influence waned after the break, he managed his flank competently during his 60-minute appearance.
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