Bonface Osano
Gor Mahia edged out their arch rivals AFC Leopards 2-1 in a KPL match played at the Kasarani Stadium to keep the Mashemeji Derby bragging rights.
Two goals from Rwandan Jacques Tuyisenge and George “Blackberry” Odhiambo in each half preserved K’Ogalo’s unbeaten run in the topflight which now stands at 20 matches.
Leopards’ lone strike was delivered by Whyvonne Isuza in a spectacular fashion at the tail end of the first half.
The three points take Gor’s tally to 52 at the top of the KPL table, 12 clear of second placed Sofapaka and 13 off Leopards who remain 5th.
Tuyisenge’s goal in the 22nd minute was a mark of superb awareness by a striker as he picked a back-pass from defender Abdallah Salim before firing past Ezekiel Owade for the opener.
Ingwe, who were the home side, responded on the stroke of half time through Isuza, who capped a good game with a perfect goal.
The former Mathare united attacking midfielder struck a volley with panache past a hapless Boniface Oluoch to draw the game at the breather.
Buoyed by the leveler, Leopards returned guns blazing, bossing the early minutes of the second stanza but, Gor’s backline, marshaled by Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango kept their forward forays at bay with ease.
Gor restored their lead in the 53rd minute from a set piece situation with Odhiambo driving home a left foot volley, connecting past Ezekiel a loose ball from a corner kick.
K’Ogalo should have added more goals as they created the better chances but Ivorian Guikan Ephrem and Burundian Francis Mustafa could not burry their chances.
The derby was the 83rd in the KPL and Gor have now won it 25 times against Leopards’ 27.
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