Gor Mahia survived an early scare to thrash Sudan’s Al
Khartoum 1-3 to reach this year’s final emphatically.
The Kenyan giant once again came from behind to
beat an opponent for the second time in this tournament, proving their fighting
spirit and strong mental strength.
Amin Elmani capitalized on a defensive mix up in
Gor’s defense to cooly slot home past keeper Boniface Oluoch in the first
minute of the match – not to be derailed, Mahia picked up themselves and
started to surge forward for the equalizer, Meddie Kagere should have put
matters level but his header hit the woodwork with no one else to beat.
Red hot Michael Olunga stepped forward to convert
a penalty in the 24th minute after Al Khartoum defender handled ball in the
box, a minute after restart, Olunga turned the provider, setting up sensational
winger Innocent Wafula who unleashed a stinging shot to put Gor in the lead.
The scores stayed 2-1 in favor of Gor as the match retired into the breather.
Al Khartoum returned for the second half more
hungrier, pinning Gor in their own half, but this time the Frank Nuttall boys
stood tall and firm in defense.
Rwandan Meddie Kagere put matters beyond Al
Khartoum’s reach in the 54th minute pouncing on a loose ball in the box after
poor clearance by the defenders to score the third and the final of the
entertaining match.
Khartoum’s Coach Kwesi Appiah blamed lack of
concentration for the huge loss. He went ahead to admit that he lost to a
better side.
“Gor Mahia is a good side, they deserve the win.”
Kwesi said.
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