Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks maintained their unbeaten starts to the season after settling for a 1-1 draw in a clash staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 18th December.K’Ogalo opened the scoring in the 68th minute through Benson Omala but Sharks wasted no time in restoring parity through Tyson Otieno three minutes later.Leopards on the verge of ending FIFA embargo on players signingsBoth teams arrived into the match with an unbeaten status with K’Ogalo having a 100% record after registering wins over Nzoia Sugar and Bidco United while Sharks claimed a win over Ulinzi Stars and kick started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against FC Talanta.Gor Mahia had a bright start to the game dominating possession early and curved their first chance in the 15th minute when Boniface Omondi threaded in a neat through ball to Omala but the former Western Stima winger delayed his shot allowing Kevin-Luke Otiala to recover and make a block.##NAJAVA_MECA_6897049##Otiala was immense for Sharks in the opening half as he made a goal line clearance in the 25th minute when George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo pickpocketed Geoffrey Onyango inside the box but he was denied a goal by the impressive Otiala.Sharks first chance of the game arrived in the 35th minute from a free kick just at the edge of the area after Julius Masaba was brought down by Joshua Onyango and got into the referee’s book but Sharks failed to beat Gor’s wall with their set piece.K’Ogalo almost went into the break with a lead when Omala’s shot was again stifled by Otiala but the rebound fell kindly for Austin Odhiambo whose shot canoned off the woodwork as Sharks hooked the ball to safety allowing both teams to go into the half time break with a barren draw.The second half was a slow burner with the first real opening coming at the stroke of the hour mark when Blackberry fed Omala who was having his back facing the goal but turned to hit a shot that just sailed wide off the mark.Ducan Otieno scores first goal of the season in Botswana as Gaborone maintain top spotThe record league champions finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Paul Ochuoga floated in a long cross from right flank that found Omala inside the box as his deft header was enough to beat John Otieno in goal.Sharks were awaken by the goal as they hit the post twice in quick succession but Gor failed to cool down the pressure as they conceded in the 71st minute when Tyson Otieno tapped the ball from close range to restore parity for Sharks.Gor Mahia had the final chance to snatch all three points in the second minute of added time when Boniface Omondi whipped in a cross that was headed just high above goal by Omala.Sharks XI: John Otieno, Dan Guya, Kevin-Luke Otiala, Kevin Musamali, Fredrick Alushula, Fortune Omoto, Keith Imbali, Geoffrey Onyango, Sheriff Musa (Paul Odhiambo 46′), Tyson Otieno, Julius Masaba (Biron Otieno 73′).Subs: Gedion Ogweno, Timothy Ekhavi, Tyson Omondi, Ken Kyalo, Leon Otieno, Isaac Wasambo, Kevin Wangaya.Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathews, Paul Ochuoga, Philemon Otieno, Joshua Onyango, Dennis Nga’ng’a, Ernest Wendo, John Ochieng (Peter Lwasa 59′), Austin Odhiambo (Alpha Onyango 59′), Benson Omala, Boniface Omondi, George Odhiambo.Subs: Caleb Otieno, Boniface Oluoch, John Nyawir, Geoffrey Ochieng, Peter Oudu, John Macharia, Mutonga Khavuchi.
