K’Ogalo slowed down as Mashemeji derby looms large
Bebeto Lnamba came off the bench to score a stunning bicycle kick in the 70th minute as Nakuru All Stars forced Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw in a Kenyan Premier League match at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
An own goal by Josephat Oyugi in the second minute had put Gor Mahia ahead but Lnamba’s strike ensured the teams shared the spoils.
It was a match that All Stars, lying rock-bottom on the log, needed to win but they fell behind early when Oyugi headed into his own net as a result of communication breakdown with his goalie Shaban Odonji.
K’Ogalo’s coach Frank Nuttall made sweeping changes in his starting eleven, handing rare starts to George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, Bernard Odhiambo, Enock Agwanda, Ernest Wendo and Ronald Omino in place of regular starters with the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards looming.
CAME CLOSE
The closest All Stars came to finding the back of Gor Mahia’s net in the first half was in 31st minute when Boniface Kenga raced clear down the left but he put too much power on his volley.
John Ndirangu, also came close for All Stars three minutes minutes after the breather with a low shot but Gor Mahia skipper Musa Mohammed cleared off the line.
Action on the pitch was closely monitored by AFC Leopards coach Zdravko Logarusic, who a few seasons ago was in charge at K’Ogalo.
Gor Mahia, who are on 56 points from 22 matches, need four more wins to be declared the 2015 KPL champions.
Gor Mahia face Ingwe this weekend, before taking on Bandari in Mombasa, followed by a match against Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru.