Gor Mahia were crowned FKF Betway Cup Champions on Sunday afternoon with a dramatic 4-1 win shoot-out victory over AFC Leopards.
After a barren draw, the two sides had to be separated by a penalty shoot-out. Isaac Kipyegon and Said Tsuma missed a penalty as Samuel Onyango netted the winner to seal a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Loads of space through the middle and out wide materialized for AFC Leopards early on and Elvis Rupia looked to utilise the situation with a curling strike, but he just couldn’t profit.
With the game opening up, Ingwe nearly made the breakthrough on 27 minutes after a long-range shot from Austin Odhimabo was nearly deflected past goalkeeper Gad Mathews.
Gor Mahia began to push forward late in the first half and almost scored the opener through Clifton Miheso, but the latter dragged wide from a tight angle in the six-yard area.
K’Ogalo still applied loads of pressure in the latter stages to halftime, but Leopards remained tight with the match heading to the break,0-0.
Leopards emerged for the second half desperate to add a second goal and it nearly came through Brian Wanyama, but he send Clyde Sinaji’s low cross into the area straight at Mathews.
Ingwe were presented another chance from a loose pass by Mathews ten minutes following resumption, but Ceollins Shichenje drilled the effort over the top.
With Gor Mahia chasing down their counterparts, Leopards added additional firepower off the bench midway in the second half in the form of Peter Thiong’o for Brian Wanyama.
Gor continued to chase shadows late on though Leopards nearly had opener through substitute Hansel Ochieng’ but after working an angle following a counter-attack, he dragged wide.
Leopards maintained the lion share of chances two minutes from time as a powerful shot from Collins Shivachi forced stunning reflexes from Mathews.
After a regular time, there was nothing separating the two sides and we were forced to go for a penalty shoot-out.
