Belgium laced Ingwe end seven year wait for victory against Gor Mahia

After seven years of pain and ridicule, seven years of endless banter and always playing second fiddle in the emotive Mashemeji Derby, AFC Leopards, led by their Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems, produced a heroic 1-2 performance in the 93rd edition of the fierce rivalry to end their thirteen match winless streak against Gor Mahia and in the process cast a sizeable dent in K'Ogalo's record extending chase for a twentieth title.

In the presence of their ever adulating fans, who roared every goal, every pass, every footwork and even every ball that their goalkeeper Levis Opiyo let to roll out of play for a goal kick at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Ingwe finally vanquished their Mashemeji Derby demons as they grabbed what had proven to be as difficult to find as gold - a win.

It came in even sweeter fashion for the twelve time Kenyan champions who had to overcome an early scare that saw the league's most in form striker Benson Omala who, in surprising fashion, missed from the penalty spot twenty six minutes in.

Nine minutes later, as if karma was playing a part, Harambee Stars debutant Victor Omune would emerge from the ruins when Ingwe were awarded their own penalty.

He breathed in, then out, then lifted his head before finding the bottom left as Gad Mathews went in the wrong direction to hand his side the lead that came against the run of play.

That moment that cued an explosive outburst of emotion from the Ingwe faithful would not last long as Austin Odhiambo rose highest to head in an inch perfect Dennis Ng'ang'a corner kick.

But that too would prove to be just a small dent in Ingwe's resolve as Maxwell Otieno, although small in stature, delivered the most important turning point in the game after placing himself at the back post on a corner kick.

What would follow could not be summed up. The unmarked youngster rose, with destiny in his own hands, to direct his free header into the back of the net as he gave Ingwe what ended up being the match winning moment and the catharsis point for Ingwe who avenged for all the times they were made to feel as if they did not matter for all the while.

In days leading to the game, Aussems had brushed the contest as inessential, urging his boys to use it to prepare for their Mozzart bet Cup semifinal clash. But a different Ingwe arrived on the scene.

Their start to the match was however shaky as Gor Mahia, inside the opening twenty minutes, had two wonderful chances to land the first punch in the bout. But the wasteful Austin failed to ripple the back of the net when it looked easier to miss than to score.

Their bright start to the match took a further blow when Omala, despite sending Opiyo the wrong way, rolled his penalty kick off target much to the relief of the Ingwe faithful.

Mashemeji Derby Player Ratings: Maxwell Otieno shines as Sylvester Owino suffers nightmare debut

Those three chances would be punished by Omune who did what Omala could not do after centre referee Yassin Badir pointed to the spot when Sylvester Owino tussled with Maxwell.

Although Austin would restore parity six minutes later, Maxwell's positioning on the corner caught the Gor defensive line as he scored an easy match winner for his side.

Starting XI

Gor Mahia

Gad Mathew (GK), Philemon Otieno (Paul Ochuoga 84'), Geoffrey Ochieng (Bryson Wangai 84'), Sylvester Owino, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi, Alpha Onyango (Sydney Wahongo 84'), Benson Omala, Austin Odhiambo (John Macharia 77'), Peter Lwasa (Patrick Kaddu 84')

AFC Leopards

Levis Opiyo(GK), Peter Thiong'o, Lewis Bandi, Washington Munene, Kayci Odhiambo (Robert Mudenyu 72'), Musa Oudo, Maxwell Otieno (Saad Musa 83'), Moses Lukhumwa, Omune Victor, Mukangula Eugene, Jaffari Owiti