Kenya: Gor, Leopards and Bandari Win Respective KPL Matches

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

21 March 2011

New kid on the block Edwin Lavatsa was the toast of Gor Mahia as he helped the club inflict the first defeat of the season to Western Stima at City Stadium yesterday.

Lavatsa’s 20th minute strike was enough to earn Gor their second victory in four matches and increased their season’s points tally to seven points to join the fight for the top honours. It was a nervous end though for Gor as Stima laid siege in their half but a stoic performance by their defence line ensured maximum points.

In Mumias Complex, AFC Leopards superb run this season continued yesterday as they rolled over Karuturi by a solitary goal. Congolese Itubu Imbem, who recovered from an injury that saw him miss Leopards’ first three matches scored the lone gaol in the 26th minute.

This saw them jump to the heady heights of joint second place with nine points, three shy of league leaders Tusker who notched their fourth win in a trot after humbling Chemelil Sugar 3-0.

Meanwhile, Mathare United had to be contented with another barren draw as their former players Joseph Nyaga, Kevin Ochieng and Jaffery Gichuki helped Rangers secure a point in their encounter at Nyayo Stadium

In Mombasa, Bandari beat Nairobi City Stars 4-1 at the Mbaraki Sports Club to register their first win of the season. The goals were scored by Peter Musime, Kafani Khamis, Kenga Shaban and Ali Wahab. Musime opened the scoring barely four minutes into the match . The goal inspired the hosts who went into the offensive as they dominated the possession and midfield play in the opening half hour. Khamis added the second in the 28rd minute from a free kick.

The visitors came close to scoring in the 37th minute after David Gateri beat the offside trap but Bandari goalkeeper Abdul Rahman came in calling and saved the situation. However, his defiance was short-lived as he was beaten by Authur Musebe’s header from a corner five minutes later. Shaban right footed shot from inside the penalty area to score the third goal ending the first half 3-1 in favour of the hosts.

The second half was equally exciting gameas the hosts created several chances although their strikers were wasteful in front of the goal. The visitors came close to scoring after the resumption as captain George Odari shot from a cross was beautifully saved Rahman. The home team enjoyed a good spell of play and their hard work in the half paid off when Wahab converted a penalty to ebd the match 4-1.

AllAfrica – All the Time