Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia title hopes fade away after draw with AFC Leopards

AFC Leopards ended Gor Mahia’s title hopes after rallying from behind to force a 1-1 draw in the rescheduled FKF Premier League ‘Mashemeji Derby’ match played at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday.

Austin Odhiambo gave Gor a narrow 1-0 half time lead before Brian Wanyama restored parity for Ingwe in the second half to salvage a point for the visitors.

K’Ogalo needed to win the Mashemeji Derby at all costs to continue piling pressure on leaders Kenya Police who now have the title in their hands.

Sitting six points clear at the top, Police will be crowned champions if they draw or defeat Shabana on June 14 when the league resumes. A point will be enough for the Law Enforcers to be crowned the 2024-2025 champions.

It will be a miracle for Gor to retain the title since they must defeat Ulinzi Stars next and Kenya Police on the final day of the season, hoping that Shabana stops Police.

The match started on a slow note with both teams careful not to lose possession as midfielders on both sides carefully handled the ball without too many tricks.

It took 20 minutes of play for the game’s first clear chance when Stanley Omondi found Benson Omalla with a cross that the former Western Stima forward failed to direct on target.

The chance opened the match and 10 minutes later, Austin Odhiambo showed why he is still the best midfielder in the league after stunning Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo with a low shot from the edge of the box to give Gor a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

A series of touches in the midfield followed as Gor commanded possession with Alpha Onyango, Lawrence Juma and Odhiambo dictating play. However, Ingwe defense led by captain Lewis Bandi held off a series of attacks forcing Gor to take a narrow 1-0 half time lead.

After being outplayed in the first half, Fred Ambani’s boys came out of the changing rooms much better after the breather and equalized four minutes after the restart.

Gor’s defensive mix up from an Ingwe free kick gifted Brian Wanyama who was unmarked inside the box free space to send a low bouncing left foot shot past a dead K’Ogalo defense and helpless Gad Mathews in goal to tie the scores at 1-1.

Gor interim coach Zedekiah Otieno was not happy with the win after the game.

“It’s sad. Lack of concentration at the defense cost us and it will be difficult to talk about the title. The gap is widening and we just have to play better the remaining two matches and see what will happen,” said Otieno.