NAIROBI,
Kenya, Mar 8 – AFC Leopards’ wait for a Mashemeji Derby victory
stretched on for a ninth match as they were beaten 1-0 by arch rivals Gor Mahia
at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Sunday, in a match attended by President
Uhuru Kenyatta and Gor patron Raila Odinga.

Boniface
Omondi scored the lone goal in the 26^th minute to hand Gor a
precious three points that not only gave them derby day bragging rights but an
opportunity to stretch their lead on top of the standings further ahead.

Omondi
broke the deadlock in the 26^th minute when he reacted quickest
inside the box after AFC keeper Benjamin Ochan spilled a header from Nicholas
Kipkurui off a corner, bouncing it on left back Washington Onyango’s hip in the
process.

Off a
balanced start to the match, both sides had good chances.

Prior to the
goal, Gor had come close with Clifton Miheso’s shot from the left going over
while on the other end in the eighth minute, Elvis Rupia’s shot took a
deflection but Boniface Oluoch in Gor’s goal reacted well to turn the ball
behind for a corner.

Gor who had
a slightly bigger share of possession had another chance when Kenneth Muguna’s
shot from distance sailed straight to the keeper’s arms while Rupia threatened
again with a header off a cross from the right.

AFC started
off the second half with Jaffary Owiti being rested for Boniface Mukhekhe, a
like for like change aimed at giving Anthony Kimani’s side more pace on the
wing.

Ingwe had
come into the final 45 of the match seeking to turn the tide on their arch rivals
and finally get one over them. They had chances in the opening few minutes with
Austin Odhiambo’s low left footed shot at the edge of the box going straight to
the keeper’s arms.

Oluoch had
to come out of his line fast few minutes later to narrow the angle and block an
effort from Rupia. Munene had a chance few minutes later from a freekick, but
his effort sailed straight to Oluoch despite going beyond the wall.

On the
other end, a defensive mistake from AFC with a half hearted clearance saw the
ball land on Miheso, but the winger’s first time effort was strongly palmed
away for a corner by Benjamin Ochan in the AFC goal.

But Ingwe
should have drawn level in the 65^th minute when Mukhekhe’s cut back
from the right found Rupia, but the striker’s effort with a first time volley went
inches wide.

While AFC
pressed forward to try and claim at least a point, they were almost caught out
at the rear when substitute Juma Balinya’s effort was cleared off the line with
four minutes left after keeper Ochan spilled a shot from Lawrence Juma.

(Visited 36 times, 36 visits today)