K’Ogalo, Kakamega display championship quality to edge out KCB
Charles Thuku and Fred Likuyani
Gor Mahia’s Ghanaian striker Francis Afriyie had a bittersweet experience as his team edged out KCB 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos yesterday.
After scoring his first ever goal for the league defending champions, Afriyie fell awkwardly while searching for a second through a header and sustained a groin injury which may rule him out of action for several matches.
The goal, which came in the 12th minute was a masterpiece with impressive Wellington Ochieng floating a cross from the right wing with the loose ball falling on the path of Afriyie who dutifully beat KCB goalkeeper Joseph Okoth at the near post.
Lawrence Juma cushioned the lead in the 32nd minute following a lapse by the KCB defence.
Gor started off the strongest with Omondi’s cross in the third minute finding no taker as Enock Agwanda, playing against his former team, cleared KCB’s lines.
KCB first real chance came in the fifth minute with Agwanda missing the target after being teed up by Samuel Mwangi.
However, Gor should thank their custodian David Mapigano for failure to concede twice after he saved dangerous throw-ins by Agwanda.
In the second half, Agwanda atoned for his misses when he powered in a powerful free-kick after Stephen Waruru was brought down inside the box.
In a match played earlier at the same venue, Western Stima beat Posta Rangers 1-0.
In the highly physical match, in which a record six yellow cards were dished out by centre referee Peter Waweru, Ugandan striker Villa Oromchan scored the all important goal in the 32nd minute.
In Kakamega, veteran striker Allan Wanga scored a brace to inspire Kakamega Homeboyz to an emphatic 3-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks at Bukhungu Stadium.
It was the second win for Homeboyz in three matches despite missing some of their dependable players such as winger Moses Mudavadi and holding midfielder Moses Chikati through injuries.
Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti fielded David Okoth, Wanga and Peter Thiong’o in attack while dropping on-form youngster Steven Etyang in midfield.
Homeboyz capitalised on a defensive lapse from Sharks that resulted in the first goal through defender Kennedy Onyango who tapped in David Okoth’s well-taken corner in 21st minute.
Wanga would score the first of his two goals in the 51st minute through a spot-kick after Sharks striker Eric Kapaito handled the ball inside the box before putting the issue beyond doubt in the 69th minute.
