Kenya:Gor Mahia shares spoil with DRC’s side
By Samuel Ouma |@journalist_27
Given their poor form while playing away from home, Gor Mahia, Kenyan Premier League representative in Caf Confederation cup is on the verge of being eliminated from the competition ahead of the second leg on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
The Kenyan champion on Sunday, October 27 was held in a 1-1 stalemate by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s DC Motema Pembe in the first leg played at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi.
Gor known as Kogalo took the lead in the 63rd minute via striker Gnamien Yikpe following marauding attacks at the opponent’s goal before the visitor restored the parity in the 71st minute through William Luezi. The player slotted home a rebound from a free-kick which Steven Pollack charges defense failed to deal with.
Gor Mahia Keeper David Mapigano saved his side from misery when he saved a penalty eight minutes after the equalizer following a handball by defender Charles Momanyi in the box. Momanyi was sent off and the home side remained one player less.
The defending Kenya Premier League champions started the game on a high not as the search of early goals intensifies but their forwards were wasteful in the mouth of the goal and at some scenarios their ferocious shots were saved by the Pembe’s custodian.
Kogalo will fly to Kinshasa next week needing a win or a draw of more than one goal to advance to the group stage for the third time in a row. The current Kenyan league leaders were dropped to the competition after they were bundled out of Caf Champions League by Algerian champions USM Algiers on aggregate of 6-1.
The 18th Kenyan champion went into today’s match after a triumphant victory over their local rivals Kariobangi Sharks whereas Motema Pembe was held in a 1-1 draw by local opponent Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
