Heading into the fixture, Gor Mahia were unbeaten from their opening four fixtures. The record champions had defeated Murang’a Seal 4-2, APS Bomet 1-0, Bandari FC 1-0, and Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0.
Ahead of the game, Gor Mahia confirmed the injury to defender Portipher Odhiambo, who was key against Homeboyz. The development was confirmed by team doctor Brian Odongo.
“Portipher will be sidelined for one week following a head injury sustained during Wednesday’s match. Although the severe bleeding was quickly controlled, he required stitches to close a deep cut on his head,” said Odongo.
The team doctor added that: “He is sitting out the upcoming week to allow the wound to heal completely, while the medical team monitors him closely to ensure he is fully cleared of any concussion symptoms before returning to play.”
Goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi also missed the game against the Bankers after suffering a thigh injury during the slim win against Homeboyz. After a number of missed chances, Gor Mahia found themselves trailing in the 21st minute when Assis Mambote put the Bankers ahead.
The Bankers then went 2-0 up in the 33rd minute courtesy of Richard Omondi. However, in the 38th minute, Gor Mahia reduced the deficit when Alpha Onyango scored from the penalty spot.
In the second half, KCB under veteran coach Robert Matano were reduced to 10 men after Baron Ochieng was shown a second yellow card. Ochieng had first been booked in the first half for a foul on Patrick Essombe, before an altercation with Ebenezer Assifuah forced centre referee Yasin Badir to send him to the early showers.
Despite going a man down, it was KCB who carried the day to end Gor Mahia’s unbeaten start. Gor Mahia remained top of the table with 12 points accumulated from four wins and zero draws.
For KCB, the victory enabled them to move into second with 10 points, two less than Gor Mahia. KCB have won three matches, drawn one, and lost one.
AFC Leopards end barren run
In another match, AFC Leopards ended a run of two matches without a win by defeating Homeboyz 2-0. Prior to the game, AFC Leopards under coach Fred Ambani had fired blanks in 0-0 draws against Shabana and Mara Sugar.
Emmanuel Lwangu put AFC Leopards ahead in the 44th minute for a 1-0 lead at the break before James Kinyanjui scored the second in the 54th minute. AFC are now third on the log with nine points from five matches. They have won two matches, drawn three, and lost none.
Promoted Migori Youth picked their first win of the season after defeating Mombasa United 2-0, APS Bomet settled for a 0-0 draw against Murang’a Seal, while Nairobi United’s poor run continued following a 1-1 draw against visiting Bandari FC.
