Gor Mahia slip at the last hurdle
After sweating blood and water trying to secure the 2012 title, Gor Mahia let it slip through their fingers, after settling for a 1-1 draw against Thika United in their last match of the season.
Needing a win to claim their first title in 1995, K’Ogalo found the going tough against a vibrant Thika side and were simply unable to handle the nerves on the day.
The point was not enough to allow Gor to win the title, losing it to Tusker FC, who beat the Nairobi City Stars 3-0 in their final match.
The match started with Gor Mahia the more confident side, making their first attack in the second minute.
At the time, Dan Sserunkuma made a quick dash for goal following a throw in, but his finishing fell short.
By the 15th minute, Thika had settled into the match with Kennedy Otieno making inroads into the Thika yard.
In the 30th minute, Francis Kahata picked up a short corner before crossing to the far post where Gor skipper Jetrim onyango fumbled the ball and Otieno punished him by rurning home the loose ball.
The goal silenced the usually-noisy Gor Mahia fans and brought a sense of urgency to their players.
In the second half, Thika appeared to have been content with the lone goal with some of their players trying to employ time-wasting tactics. This lack of ambition eventually cost them as rama Salim powerfully headed home Moses Odhiambo’s cross 13 minute sfrom time.
Attempts by Gor to find a winner failed to yield fruit as Thika sat back in defence to lock them out.
