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Gor restore nine-point lead as Leopards rally to hold Mathare


Champions Gor Mahia restored a nine-point lead at the stop of the Kenyan Premier League table with a clinical 2-0 victory over Thika United at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium on Monday.

At the City Stadium, AFC Leopards rallied from behind to force a 1-1 draw with Mathare United.

At Kasarani, Harun Shakava scored one of his trademark headers in the first half and Victor Abondo netted a lovely free-kick to give K’Ogalo victory.

After a balanced 34 minutes, Shakava tipped the scales with a stunning header made possible by an accurate pass from right-back Karim Nzigiyimana.

Jackson Macharia had seen the back of the net for Thika United eight minutes earlier, but he was judged to be offside by referee Moses Osano.

Meddie Kagere also had his goal disallowed in the 72nd minute when he was caught by the offside trap.

KISS THE NET

There was however no doubt with regards to Abondo’s goal 10 minutes later as he kissed the net with a stern right footed shot from a direct free kick to send the stadium into frenzy.

“I’m contented with my boys’ performance despite the result because they played to their highest level. They were calm against such revered opponents,” said Thika United coach Tim Bryett.

Earlier at City, attacking midfielder Khalid Jumanne came off the bench to score a beauty of a goal in the 73rd minute to cancel out a 37th minute strike by Whyvonne Isuza.

Mathare had control of the first half while Ingwe dominated the second half. But if there is one man enjoying his football in a Mathare shirt, then it has to be the delightful Eric Johanna.

The versatile attacker was a joy to watch and yesterday was one of those fine evenings that he put up an eye-catching display.

LOVELY MOVE

Shifting from work station down the left to the centre at will, he not only put up a dominant performance full of grace but was also heavily involved in his side’s goal.

He collected the ball in Leopards half, made two steps forward before passing it to Isuza who teed up Edwin Ombasa. Ombasa in turn found Johana who caressed the ball to Isuza again who finished the lovely move with a simple touch leaving Leopards goalie Wycliffe Kasaya well beaten.

It was the kind of free flowing football that fans pay to watch and Mathare served it in plenty moreso in the first 45 minutes of dominance.

Leopards had the hunger to win this game but Mathare stood firm.

After the interval, Leopards coach Zdarvko Logarusic made double substitutions bringing in Karim Ndungwa in place of Diallo Mohamed and Jumanne for left back Abdallah Juma.

SOURCE: Daily Nation