Gor Mahia first choice goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch was the hero as his two penalty saves inspired his side to a 4-3 post match penalties win against Nyasa Big Bullets in Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre.
Oluoch, who came under sharp criticism last season for committing back to back howlers, made a second half penalty save before saving one in the kick-outs to see his side advance to the second round of the Caf Champions League.
Prior to kick off, Gor made three changes from the squad which started in Nairobi with Oluoch replacing Peter Odhiambo between the posts while Samuel Onyango and Francis Mustafa were deployed in places of injured Kenneth Muguna and Jacques Tuyisenge.
Oluoch enjoyed a four-man defence line Marshalled by skipper Haroun Shakava, who partnered with Joash Onyango at the heart of the defence while Shafik Batambuze and Philemon Otieno maintained their roles at the flanks.
Experienced Humphrey Mieno was paired alongside Ernest Wendo to shield the defence while Onyango and George Odhiambo were used as wingers. Mustafa supplied ammunition to forward Erisa Ssekisambu.
Carrying a slim 1-0 advantage and missing the services of influential midfielder Francis Kahata, the Kenyan champions needed at least a draw to progress and were unlucky not to concede in the first half despite playing under intense pressure from the hosts.
After a goal-less first half danger man Chiukepo Msowoya broke the deadlock for the hosts ten minutes after the break, plundering a half volley which sailed past Oluoch to revive their hopes of making to the second round.
Msowoya would have gifted his side the winning goal with six minutes to the final whistle after being scythed down by Batambuze in the area a push which earned him his a spot kick but Oluoch’s reflex proved equal to the challenge.
Gor managed to hold the pressure till the final whistle, pushing the match to post match penalties where first leg hero Bernard Ondiek, Mieno, Boniface Omondi and Shakava were on target.
Oluoch successfully saved Miracle Gabeya kick while Pilots Zonda was denied by the woodwork. Msowoya, John Lanjesi and Yamikani Fodya scored Nyasa’s penalties.
