Gor Mahia fans celebrating after Jacques Tuyisenge double helped the team beat Thika United.PHOTO/courtesy.
NAIROBI, April 6- Rwandese international Jacques Tuyisenge showed the Green Army what Sh4 million can get them as he struck twice to help champions Gor Mahia come from behind to edge out ten-man Thika United 2-1 in a midweek SportPesa Premier League match played under floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium.
Mwinyi Kibwana sent Thika ahead in the 26th minute before Tuyisenge scored both goals in the second half after Thika United keeper Hamuza Muwonge was sent off in the 68th minute for a second bookable offence.
However, Tuyisenge, who braved a slight ankle knock to feature in the match, was unfortunate to pick up another injury, this time on the knee that had just recovered from a two month lay-off as he was knocked down by Muwonge outside the box.
The win saw Gor move sixth on 10 points while Thika’s search of a maiden win this season will continues.
“I feel happy to have started with a bang but I’m disappointed I have picked up another injury. I feel unhappy about the challenge from Muwonge but I’m only left to hope that I will recover in time for the next match,” the 24-year old, who was aided off the pitch by his countryman Abouba Sibomana, said.
Head coach Jose Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira, who picked his second successive match after taking charge, is hopeful the striker will be fit in time for their next match against Ushuru on Sunday.
“Jack is a soldier and a strong guy. Before this match I asked him whether he was okay after the injury last weekend and he said he was good. You could see in his running. I’m optimistic he will pull through for the weekend,” the Brazilian underscored.
The tactician will also be worried about Ronald Omino who had to be rushed to hospital after a knock on the head from a Thika United player.
Gor forward Jacques Tuyisenge being helped off by countryman Abuoba Sibomana after picking a knock in their 2-1 win over Thika United.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
The visitors had started the match brightly, passing the ball around well and hitting from the wings while Gor looked dazed and struggled to get a grip.
Captain Vincent Omumbo, standing in for the suspended Dennis Odhiambo had an effort from a set-piece after two minutes of play but it did not trouble K’Ogalo custodian Boniface Oluoch, who was returning to the starting line-up after missing the opening six league matches.
Gor were a pale shadow of themselves and Ze Maria showed his frustration on the touchline, removing his coat angrily and signaling Francis Kahata to warm up in the 19th minute after George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo lost the ball cheaply on several occasions.
Gor’s poor start to the match continued to see them go down in the 22nd minute through Kibwana when the midfielder picked the ball deep in his own half to dance past three onrushing players, before picking a spot at the far left of Oluoch’s post to open the scores.
Gor had their first effort in the 29th minute when Enock Agwanda was set up by Odhiambo but the former Sofapaka forward fluffed the glorious chance.
Thika would be happier going into the break a goal up, but Ze Maria’s hair dryer to Gor players back in the dressing room changed the face of the match in the second period.
Agwanda and Odhiambo paved way for Kahata and Jacob Keli respectively and it was this change that would spur a full Samba style attacking flair from K’Ogalo.
Eight minutes into the second half, Tuyisenge buried the ball home after Omumbo had blocked Keli’s initial shot on the line.
In the 65th minute, Muwonge was shown his second yellow card after lunging at Tuyisenge to force Nandwa sacrifice Timothy Ludda tio pave way for reserve keeper Eliud Emase.
Gor took advantage of the situation, launching attack after attack and it paid off five minutes from time with Tuyisenge rising to send home a bullet header past a dazed Emase from an Innocent Wafula cross.
Even with ten minutes of added time, Thika’s attempt of turning on their attacking side could not stop Gor’s sailing ship.
