NAIROBI, Kenya, March 4 – Mathare United drew their third straight league game of the season with a barren tie against Gor Mahia on Wednesday evening.
Anthony Akumu’s second half goal was ruled out after he was adjudged to have used both his hands to put the ball in to the back of the United net.
“The guy (Akumu) handled the ball which is an infringement which is why we protested against it,” said Mathare captain Titus Mulama.
The result leaves Kogalo without a win so far this season but Gideon Ochieng’s side will be heartened by their dominant display against the former champions.
“I thought it was a goal but the referee’s decision is final so there’s nothing we can do,” said Gor captain Julius Owino.
“I thank God for the way we performed today and for coming away with a point,” added the Harambee Stars captain.
Akumu and the rest of the Gor midfield ran their Mathare counterparts with Ibrahim Kitawi and Kevin Omondi playing a starring role as they constantly carved open Mathare’s defence with surgical precision.
Francis Kimanzi’s charges resorted to sitting back and catching Gor with sweeping counter attacks punctuated by the pace of Joseph Nyagah and Kevin Kimani.
George Odhiambo and new recruit John Kiplangat will be ruing their several missed chances in the opening period after several of their shots went wide.
Mathare ace Andrew Tololwa almost put his team ahead in the 37th minute with a header from point blank range but his effort was gathered by Jeremy Onyango.
Kiplangat almost put Kogalo ahead with a diving header after meeting a sublime cross from Odhiambo but his effort sailed over the bar.
The opening stages of the second half was a dull affair before it was lit up by Akumu’s disallowed goal.
It was end to end action from then on as both sides continued to squander several chances.
Omondi had the chance to put the match to bed in injury time but his blazing shot went wide.
