Afraha Stadium was the venue for seventh meeting between Kariobangi Sharks and Gor Mahia on a surprisingly sunny Sunday afternoon considering the heavy rains that had hit the country the entire week.

Team News

The coach kept faith in the squad that did him duty against Chemelil Sugar in what was the first win for the team just before the international break.

Starting XI: John Oyemba (GK), Eric Juma©, Nixon Omondi, Lemu Shiveka, Samuel Olwande, Sven Yidah, Patila Omoto, Duke Abuya, Shaphan Oyugi, Erick Kapaito, Daniel Sakari.

SUBS: Brian Opondo (GK), Sydney Lokale, Harrison Mwendwa, Peter Oudu, Tom Teka, Julius Masaba, KevinTom Machika.

First Half

The game started on a rather slow note, with both teams sizing each other. The first chance fell for Gor Mahia on the 12^th minute as good combination play amongst their strikers freed Miheso who was clear on goal but his shot went wide partly thanks to pressure from Olwande.

The opposition came calling again in the 36^th minute when a cross from the right-hand side found Miheso unmarked in the six-yard box but John Oyemba quickly closed in on him and slapped the ball away for a corner.

Nixon Omondi almost handed Sharks the lead in the 34^th after a wonderful cross from Sakari he just couldn’t keep his header in the six-yard box down despite the goalkeeper being rooted. Shaphan Oyugi then went close in what could have been a spectacular goal as he brought down a long ball, danced past the last man and unleashed a hot that went just inches wide.

The game went to the break goalless, the first time a first half between the two was ending goalless.

 

Second Half

The second half was a half of a few chances as both teams avoided going all out on attack. In the 56^th minute, John Oyemba produced yet another magnificent save, keeping out Gor Mahia winger Sammy Onyango.

The coach introduced striker Sydney Lokale for the industrious Daniel Sakari, and Shaphan Oyugi paved way Harrison Mwendwa. Lokale almost got his name on the scoresheet in the 72^nd minute after cutting in from the left side and releasing a right footed shot but his effort went straight to the keeper.

The game seemed destined for a draw, the first among the two teams, but some last-minute drama interrupted. Kenned Otieno unleashed a shot from outside the area that hit the bar after beating Oyemba and John Afriye quickly jumped on the re-bounce in what appeared to be from an offside position and he scored after going round Oyemba.

There was little the sharks could do as the final whistle was blown just seconds later condemning the team to the second loss of the season.