Gor Mahia winger George Odhiambo races away from Posta Rangers midfielder Moses Otieno.PHOTO/TRimothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 14- Kenyan Premier League defending champions Gor Mahia failed to cut into Tusker FC’s lead at the top of the standings after being held to a barren draw by Posta Rangers at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
It was expected to a full throttle affair with Gor desperately needing points after a run of one win in five matches.
Posta were seemingly happy with a point while Gor were a shadow of their former menacing selves and never posed as much threat to the hosts.
From a slow start, Jockins Atudo came up with a superb tackle in the 12th minute, sliding in to poke the ball away for a corner after Karim Nizigiyimana broke into the box after a one-two exchange of passes with George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo.
On the opposite end, Posta had their first chance on the quarter hour mark with Atudo hitting a shot wide at the far post from a Titus Achesa freekick.
Gor’s attacking duo of Meddie Kagere and Jacques Tuyisenge were subdued by Atudo and Charles Odette, forcing the defending champions to use width in the attack.
However, this proved to be a futile tact with Posta keeper Patrick Matasi being particularly good with cross-balls, collecting most of them with ease.
Posta Rangers’ John Nairuka chases down Gor Mahia left back Erick Marcelo Ouma.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Rangers should have put themselves ahead in the 32nd minute from a counter attack but Collins Neto was caught in two minds one-on -one with Boniface Oluoch allowing the keeper to block the attempted shot.
Five minutes to the break, Francis Kahata headed against the side netting at the far post from a well floated in Nizigiyimana cross.
Five minutes into the restart, Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma floated in a decent cross from the left but Posta left back Collins Omondi put in a superb defensive header, putting the ball behind for a corner with Odhiambo lurking behind him waiting to head in.
Head coach Jose Marcelo made his first sub on the hour mark, bringing on Baron Oketch for Odhiambo who had struggled to have a command in the game.
The Brazilian also hauled off Kagere after 65 minutes, bringing in Enock Agwanda to strengthen the forward line and add some extra danger with his ability on long throws.
Gor kept their attacking mantra on and in the 67th minute Godfrey Walusimbi had an open chance at the far post from another Nizigiyimana free kick but he headed wide.
Posta head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno sought to add some new feet in his midfield with Gor enjoying possession and Moses Otieno paved way for Duncan Otieno.
Posta had to play the final seven minutes of the game with ten men with substitute Dennis Mukaisi who had spent less than ten minutes on the pitch being stretchered out injured.
