Gor Mahia’s 24 matches unbeaten run in the league was brought to an end by a spirited Nzoia Sugar side on Wednesday afternoon. Hassan Oktay’s last league loss was a 1-0 reverse on the 27th of January inflicted by KCB. With Tuysienge, Nicholas Kipkirui and captain Harun Shakava on the bench, Nzoia knew this was their best chance to get a win against the Champions elect and they took it with both hands.
The Champions chemistry was lacking in the opening exchanges largely due to the number of changes in the starting line up made by Hassan Oktay. Nzoia sensed they could get something from the match and strung a few passes together quite impressively. The first real chance fell to George Odhiambo but he could not get his shot down and it flew over the bar.
The hosts went ahead in the 34th minute through Hansel Ochieng who finished off a great Nzoai counter-attacking move. Gor Mahia should have leveled matters minutes before half time but Erisa Ssesikambu could not keep his composure when he only had the keeper to beat. Half time found Nzoia leading 1-0.
The second half was more of Nzoia sitting back, absorbing pressure and hitting Gor Mahia on the counter. The tactic almost worked only for Oluoch to bring down Hansel Ochieng in the 56th-minute as he looked to shot on goal after yet another counter-attack. The Gor Mahia defender was rightly booked for his actions.
Gor Mahia huffed and puffed but could not find a winner meaning that their title dreams are still on hold. Their next assignment is a mashemeji derby clash against AFC Leopards on Sunday. For Nzoia, the win moves them to 12th on the log with 36 points.