Advantage Gor Mahia as Tusker stumbles in Muhoroni

A goal in the third minute and another in the ninth minute helped record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia restore their hopes of gracing continental football for the first time since December 2021 as they outclassed Ulinzi Stars 2-0 in Kasarani to fly back to the top of the table after previous log leaders Tusker suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Wazito.

Early strikes from Austine Odhiambo and John Macharia gifted K'Ogalo the three precious points that helped them open a two point gap at the summit heading into the last two games of the 22/23 campaign.

"I am really pleased with how we played today. There is a point in that first half and second half that makes me really emotional because it was really beautiful to watch.

I have not seen better football being played and not just in Kenya, and I am really pleased for the players," an emotional Jonathan McKinstry said after the clash.

In a match that Gor went in trailing Tusker by a point, Austine's well taken goal off the back of a Kaddu assist helped calm the nerves after just three minutes and the record Kenyan champions needed just six more minutes to make the most out of their imperious start.

Macharia doubled the team's lead following a cutback into the danger area from Austine which the silky footed winger gladly dispatched past James Saruni who was making his first start for the season.

"From the word go, we knew that Gor try to get early goals going by their games. They got two early chances and they made us pay for them," Mohammed Abdalla, Ulinzi assistant coach said.

Having gotten the two goal advantage, Gor were in no hurry to add onto their lead as they produced some immaculate football with January signing Shafiq Kagimu dictating the pace with his delicate and measured eye candy displays in the middle of the park.

Emotional McKinstry heaps praise on Gor Mahia players after domineering victory over Ulinzi Stars

While Gor produced effortless football, Ulinzi struggled to cope with the joga bonito on show as the vociferous fans clapped back in approval.

The green army could have seen their side extend their lead even further but Peter Lwasa just could not get the final touch right on two clear cut occassions. In the end, Gor walking away with a clean sheet, three points and a place at the top of the table.

Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathew (GK), Paul Ochuoga, Geoffrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Ernest Wendo (Sydney Ochieng' 60'), Peter Lwasa (Boniface Omondi 60'), Shafiq Kagimu, Patrick Kaddu, Austin Odhiambo, John Macharia

Ulinzi Stars XI: James Saruni(GK), Salim Swaleh, Omar Mbongi, Boniface Andayi, Ongoma Bernard, Stephen Etyang, Francis Omondi (Masita Masuta 63'), Elly Saenyi (Lucas Maina 63') Peter Wafula, Enosh Ochieng, Hillary Simiyu

Tusker stumbles at Got Alila

Wazito FC put up a gallant fight to beat Tusker FC 2-1 at the Muhoroni Stadium on Sunday.

Collins Neto scored a brace, including a penalty to stop the Brewers who are chasing the title on their tracks, and boost Wazito's chances of staying in the league next season.

Towering defender Charles Momanyi scored Tusker's goal.

The match came to life at the quarter hour mark after a slow star after Neto opened the scoring with a clinical finish from a through pass.

Mbulere Stephen kept the pressure, but his 20th minute shot after picking a poor clearance just around Tusker's box went wide with goalkeeper Brian Bwire fully stretched.

Tusker struggled with ball control for the better part of the half affecting mostly the midfield where skipper Humphrey Mieno was in charge.

Njuguna John's shot, Tusker's first threat at goal in the 27th minute, went awfully wide, while Eric Otieno came close a minute later, but his header sailed wide.

Odhiambo Collins could have doubled the lead for the hosts at the half hour mark after finding himself in a one-on-one situation with advancing Bwire, but despite lifting his head up to pick a spot, the ball hit the post.

Siwa Shaphan scored three minutes later for the visitors from a corner kick, but it was ruled out for an infringement.

Wazito kept the pressure in the second half with Mbulere missing a glorious chance in the 54th minute after being put through by Neto.

On the other end, Shaphan graced the bar with a long strike Two minutes later. But it was Odoyo David who came closer in the 57th minute when he pocked the ball over with the net begging.

Charles Momanyi was not to be denied in the 82nd minute, towering above everyone to head home Tusker's equalizer.

Wazito grabbed their winner from the spot in the 92nd minute with Neto stepping forward to score after aTusker defender handled in the box.

The loss sees Tusker drop to second behind Gor Mahia.

Wazito XI; Muthomi Tom (GK)Otieno CliffChristopher OkalJuma ErickWesonga KelvinOchieng IbrahimRaila ChristopherOdundo MaxwellOdhiambo CollinsOnyango Robert Mbulere Stephen

Subs: Hezron, Clinton, Felix, Denis, Stanley, Kevin, Kevon, Thomas, Samuel

Tusker XI; Brian Bwire (GK)Monyi KevinOdhiambo LevinTeka TomCharles Momanyi Humphrey Mieno ©Njuguna JohnOdoyo DavidOtieno EricSiwa ShaphanLuvanda Lawrence

Subs: Wanjala, Kibwage, Mbugua, C. Otieno, Rodgers, Ojok, Mmata, Stewart, Zakayo

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