Dennis Oliech’s debut see Gor Mahia drop points

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Mathare United were held to a one all draw by defending champions Gor Mahia in a thrilling tie staged at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The ‘slum boys’ made one change from their last line up, bringing in goalkeeper Allan Owiny in place of David Okello as coach Francis Kimanzi aimed at getting something from the defending champions.

For K’Ogalo, coach Hassan Oktay decided to play Nicholas Kipkirui ahead of Samuel Onyango, with Erisa Ssekisambu also dropping to the bench.

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Both sides played cautiously in the first quarter an hour or so, relying on wingers, who tried to cut in and bring crosses that never worked for both sides; but it was the hosts, who looked dangerous on the counter attack as compared to the defending champions.

Mathare United conceded a corner in the 18th minute, but David Owino intercepted with defender Harun Shakava waiting behind him. The first real chance fell to the hosts with twenty minutes on the clock when the hosts broke on the right, but the cross by James Kinyanjui was missed by Cliff Nyakeya.

Moments later, Onyango had to be alert and head a cross in by James Situma for a fruitless corner. The slum boys looked settled and had a series of threatening attacks, but K’Ogalo stood firm at the back.

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Against the run of play, it was Gor Mahia, who went ahead first; with a half an hour gone, Owiny fouled Jacques Tuyisenge and the referee had no option but to give a penalty. The Rwandan rose for the occasion and hit the ball past the custodian to give his team a lead.

Owino was called into action a few minutes to the break, clearing a dangerous ball that was meant for Kahata to ensure the first half ends 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Chris Ochieng was introduced by Kimanzi in the second half to help sharpen the attack, but it was Gor Mahia, who had a chance to get a second goal, but was denied by Johnstone Omurwa who was at the right place.

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In the 57th minute, the 2008 champions made it even. James Situma was brought down in the danger zone and Kevin Kimani restored parity from twelve yards. The former Sofapaka man could have made it 2-1 with twenty minutes to go, but his header flew wide with the goal at his mercy.

Oktay had to act, Dennis Oliech was introduced in place of Nicholas Kipkirui.

Despite flashes of brilliance by the legend, things did not go his way as the game ended 1-1 meaning the ‘slum boys’ remain unbeaten after six matches.

 

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