Oliech puts Zoo to the sword as the Champions match on

An under-strength Gor Mahia ripped Zoo Kericho apart in 4-0 demolition as they began their packed seven-day Kenyan Premier League (KPL) schedule in winning fashion.

Kenneth Muguna opened the scoring with a meticulous free-kick and set up Dennis Oliech for the second as Gor seized a 2-0 advantage inside just 21 minutes at a rain-swept Green Stadium.

Shaban Odhoji kept out Danson Chetambe’s penalty kick with a brilliant save at the stroke of half-time to deny the winger his third goal in as many games before Oliech skied his spot-kick moments after the restart.

Substitute Nicholas Kipkirui added the third after rounding the goalkeeper to finish off a rapid counter-attack before he provided Oliech for his second of the afternoon from another brilliant break by the visitors.

Victory for Gor moved them above Bandari FC into second on the KPL standings after the Coastal-based side dropped points from their 1-2 defeat at home to Kakamega Homeboyz.

Head coach Hassan Oktay’s charges could end the month at the summit of the 18-team KPL log if they defeat Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday as they are now only a point adrift leaders Sofapaka FC.

Gor will have the opportunity to seize control with an away trip to Sony Sugar on Wednesday when they will mark the end of a congested KPL week. They will then host RS Berkane in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals four days later.

Oktay began the match without his regular starters against the relegation-threatened side but there was no sign of weakness as Muguna and Cercidy Okeyo expertly marshalled the midfield.

It was Muguna that broke the deadlock in the 19th minute and it had all been coming, the midfielder curling home beyond goalkeeper Martin Elung’at after Oliech had been fouled by Dennis Kawanga just outside the area.

Oliech doubled the advantage in the two minutes later when he swept home a near cut-back from Muguna and it could have been three moments later but Erisa Ssekisambu’s shot hit the side-netting.

Gor won another free-kick and this time it is Wellington Ochieng at it. The defender missed before a counter-attacking move by Zoo yielded a penalty. Odhoji dived left to punch Chetambe’s attempt away to ensure the tie went into the break at 2-0.

Elsewhere at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa, Bandari lost 2-1 to a determined Kakamega Homeboyz. The home side assumed an early lead in the fifth minute through winger Shaban Kenga but Festus Omukoto strike and an own goal by Collins Agade saw the visiting side reap maximum points.

At the Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi, Tusker got the better of Kariobangi Sharks; Timothy Otieno claiming a brace while Boniafce Muchiri added another. Sharks got a consolation through Sydney Lokale.

In Western, AFC Leopards had Vihiga United slow down their momentum in a 2-2 draw. Prolific midfielder Whyvonne Isuza and Brian Marita scored for Ingwe while Amos Kigadi and Chris Masinza’s penalty  in 32 minute  for Vihiga ensured shared spoils.

Summarised Results

Zoo Kericho 0-4 Gor Mahia

Sofapaka 3-1 Mt. Kenya

Vihiga United 2-2 AFC Leopards

Tusker 3-1 Kariobangi Sharks- Ruaraka

Ulinzi Stars 2-1 Sony Sugar- Afraha

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