The much-hyped clash between champions Gor Mahia and Shabana lived up to its billing at Moi Stadium, Kasarani with K’Ogalo emerging the better side.
Teen sensation Ronny Onyango was the toast of the day after his stoppage-time strike secured maximum points for the record champions to condemn the Bangbet-sponsored Glamour Boys to another late defeat.
Gor Mahia head gaffer Johnathan McKinistry lavished praise on his charges for rising to the occasion, noting they deserved the sweet victory.
“We are glad took the challenge in our strides and sealed all the maximum points. Our focus now is on the next game, “ McKinistry remarked.
“We knew it would be one of those long afternoons for us. Shabana are good at possession and counter-attack. Their big loss against Ulinzi Stars was not a true reflection of their ability,” McKinistry stated.
The Irish gaffer, nonetheless, hailed their opponents for giving them a run for their money, adding they came to the fixture expecting an arduous task.
Shabana head coach Sammy Okoth lashed out centre referee Brook Philip for ruining a good match after he sent defender Abisolom Aduda for an early shower following a heated on-field scuffle.
“All was well until the referee began flashing yellow cards and finally a red card that changed the direction of the game,” Okoth lamented.
“We need to do a lot much better than we did today. All in all, today’s performance is a clear indication we have started getting our act right.”
The outcome has Gor level on points with Posta Rangers at the summit of the log even though the mailmen enjoy a healthier goal difference.
Elsewhere, Bidco head coach Anthony Akhulia elicited a mixed response despite his charges registering a resounding 3-0 win over visiting Muhoroni Youth.
“I don’t think we played so well because we started on the back foot. But the win is the most important thing and I’m satisfied with the results,” Akhulia said.
“Our next game is against Ulinzi at Langata. We believe the team will continue with the same spirit. Today’s outcome is a nice progress from our draw against Gor Mahia, where we didn’t score a single goal,” Akhulia said.
Muhoroni Youth head coach Charles Odera attributed their huge loss to concentration lapses in the backline.
“It was a bad day in the office and I feel our defence collapsed in very crucial moments. I also noticed fatigue because we only came from another match over the weekend,” Odera said.
In other encounters, Talanta shared spoils with Nzoia Sugar in a drab barren encounter at Ruaraka Grounds. Ulinzi Stars stunned Tusker 1-0 at Ruaraka to cap off their morale-boosting 4-0 thumping of Shabana over the weekend.
Recently appointed Sofapaka head coach Ezekiel Akwana continued his impressive run at the helm after leading his charges to an emphatic 3-0 win over KCB.
Bandari bounced back from their 2-0 loss to Posta Rangers on Sunday to edge Police FC 3-2 at Mbaraki Sports Club.
Newbies, Murang’a Seal kept their title aspirations alive with another surprise 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars.
AFC Leopards registered yet another lackadaisical performance after settling for a barren draw against Kariobangi Sharks.
