NAIROBI, Kenya, August 26- Gor Mahia’s tactician Bobby Williamson reserved grovelling praise for his players after charging from 2-0 down to hold archrivals AFC Leopards in his first ‘Mashemeji’ derby on Sunday.
Goals from Noah Wanyama and a Paul Were screamer set Ingwe on their way to a first victory over K’Ogalo in five games but a ‘customary’ Dan Sserunkuma finish and David Owino’s well placed leveller saw the sides share spoils in a pulsating encounter at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
“I am relieved we got a point which is important than none and I would like to thank my players who fought relentlessly despite being two goals down. The players showed maturity and never panicked even when they conceded,” Williamson told SuperSport.com.
“We will ensure we make amends on the mistakes that led to the two goals but I am happy with the general performance which was great and the fans who gave us massive support during the entire game even when we were down,” he added.
The Scotsman emphasised that his side was on track to winning its first title since 1995 saying they are getting closer with nine matches to go after they opened up an eight-point lead over second placed Ulinzi Stars with a point.
“We expect to maintain our form in the league and win the rest of our matches since our major aim this season is to win the league title which I believe is possible,” the coach who took over from Croat Zradvko Logarusic stressed.
Ingwe’s title hopes took a severe blow after Luc Eymael’s side failed to hold on to a commanding 2-0 lead with half an hour to go despite climbing to third as the rest of the league took a breather to pave way for the derby.
Belgian Eymael made headlines ahead of the encounter with doubts about his future at Leopards but returned to give the club a timely boost after reportedly departing the side without leave.
“We deserved to win the game but we lost concentration towards the end. We will fight to the end,” the Ingwe boss said after the encounter.
Gor are scheduled to travel to Awendo to visit their ‘B-side’ Sony Sugar although in the past, the encounter has been held elsewhere due to security concerns over the tiny Awendo Green Stadium while Leopards have another tricky clash against champions Tusker at Kasarani to look forward to.
Ulinzi who have roared back to the title race face unpredictable Mathare United in Nakuru.
