Gor Mahia reclaimed top position in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) despite conceding late to draw 1-1 with Kakamega Homeboyz on Friday.
Nicholas Kipkirui handed K'Ogalo a deserved lead in the first half before Allan Wanga's stoppage-time equalizer denied the Green Army maximum points.
Gor Mahia winger Samuel Onyango was a threat all through for Homeboyz’ defenders and it forced Moses Chikati to be alert all the time at the right flank.
His 17th-minute strike would have resulted in a goal but Chikati made a quick interception to block the former Ulinzi Stars player after he made his way into Homeboyz box.
Kipkirui scored the opener for Gor Mahia in the 40th minute after he rose high enough to meet Onyango’s cross. Mayhem was witnessed at the VIP stand just after Kipkirui’s opener but the fans were pacified and the match proceeded until half time with Gor Mahia leading.
Kipkirui’s strike at Bukhungu Stadium was his seventh league goal and is now a clear leader for goals scored for the club this season. His closest teammate - Ugandan striker Erissa Ssekisambu has scored four so far.
Kakamega Homeboyz have never beaten Gor Mahia since their first meeting in the top flight in 2013 where the first match ended 0-0. Boniface Omondi and Francis Mustapha helped Gor Mahia win the first season meeting with a 2-1 win. Luke Namanda scored the only goal for Homeboyz.
Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay was forced to make a change in his backline when Charles Momanyi, who was playing against his former side, got injured in the 56th minute and his place was taken by Joash Onyango.
Ali Bhai was unlucky to see his goal-bound shot blocked by Joash Onyango in the 70th minute. Bhai managed to beat his markers just outside the box and as he sent the ball rolling towards an almost empty net, Onyango recovered swiftly to clear the danger away.
Maxwell Ravel's header in the 78th minute almost stunned Gor Mahia as the unmarked midfielder rose high enough to meet a cross from Moses Mudavadi. The header hit the woodwork and the Green Army were pleased to clear the ball away for safety.
Kakamega Homeboyz XI: David Juma, Sosthenes Idah, Festus Okiring, George Odiwuor, Kennedy Onyango, Moses Chkati, Festo Omukoto, Luke Namanda, Allan Wanga, Ahmed Bhai and Moses Mudavadi.
Subs: Geoffrey Oputi, Edwin Lavatsa, Maxwell Ravel, Collins Odhiambo, Osborne Monday and Matta Masakadi.
Gor Mahia XI: Shaban Oyugi, Wellington Ochieng, Charles Momanyi, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joachim Oluoch, Hashim Sempala, Boniface Omondi, Lawrence Juma, Samwel Onyango, Jacques Tuyisenge and Nicholas Kipkirui.
Subs: Boniface Oluoch, Joash Onyango, Philemon Otieno, George Odhiambo, Francis Mustapha, Erissa Ssekisambu and Dennis Oliech.
