Muguna worldie seals Gor Mahia's progression to Cup quarters

Gor Mahia progressed to the FKF Cup quarter-finals after edging out Division One side, Mara Sugar 2-1 in a round of 16 match played at the Ruaraka Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

Gor went into the game as clear favorites but the win was far from comfortable as the Division One side put in a spirited fight before they were finally subdued by the reigning league champions.

Tito Okello gave Gor Mahia the lead in the 28th minute with a neat finish from close range. He then conceded a penalty in the 40th minute from which Mara Sugar leveled through Reuben Okoth. Kenneth Muguna then curled home a superb free-kick in the 52nd minute.

Despite being the underdogs, Mara started the match positively and showed some attacking intent early on. James Olwenyi and Mohammed Baraza looked threatening but they barely tested Gor Mahia keeper Caleb Omondi.

As expected, Gor took charge of the match. The first chance went Alpha Onyango's way in the 9th minute but his shot from inside the penalty area went over the bar. Next was Karim Abduol in the 11th minute, but the Burkinabe midfielder hit the side net from the edge of the penalty area.

Mara were forced to an early change in the 18th minute when their star player Parmenas Ochola was forced off after a clash of heads with Charles Momanyi. His place was taken by Collins Owila.

Against the run of play, Gor went ahead in the 28th minute through Tito Okello. A quick interchange of passes set up to South Sudanese international who calmly slotted home.

Five minutes before the break, Gor Mahia conceded a penalty. A free-kick delivery from the right hit Tito Okello's arm and the referee pointed to the spot. Reuben Okoth stepped forward beating Caleb Omondi from the spot. An error from Omondi just before the break nearly gifted Mara a second but he reacted quickly to save after he had initially dropped the ball.

Seven minutes into the second half, Gor went 2-1 up in a spectacular fashion. Kenneth Muguna was fouled at the edge on the right side, he stepped forward to take the resultant free-kick and curled it past Mara keeper Fredrick Shiundu. They had another chance to add to their tally in the 64th minute but Clifton Miheso saw his free-kick go narrowly wide.

The chances dried up as the clock ticked and in the Gor progressed to quarters where they will face the winner of the match between KCB and Kariobangi Sharks.

Gor Mahia starting XI: Caleb Omondi, Philemon Otieno, Charles Momanyi, Harun Shakava, Ftank Odhiambo, Geoffery Ochieng, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Tito Okello, Karim Abdoul, Clifton Miheso

Subs: Gad Mathew, Joachim Oluoch, Andrew Juma, Fred Nkata, John Ochieng, Ernest Wendo, John Macharia, Jules Ochieng, Victor Ochieng

Mara Sugar starting XI: Fredrick Shiundu, Arnold Akafwale, Kevin Kyalo, Eric Ngiela, Joseph Okwenda, Dennis Kweyu, James Olwenyi, Desmond Agofa, Parmenas Ochola, Mohamed Baraza, Reuben Okoth

Subs: Daniel Oloo, Lorau Guy, Fredrick Ngiela, Gabriel Muhoro, Collins Owila, Joseph Luchenga, Dickson Omutanusa, Calvince George