2009 Kenya Premier League champions Sofapaka managed to frustrate record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia as they resolutely held for a barren stalemate to go home with a point in the two team’s meeting on Wednesday afternoonIn the clash staged at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, the David Ouma coached side managed to withstand late pressure from the team as they stopped the team’s search for a third comsecutive victory.It was a rather slow start in the first half that had few chances with the first clear cut pportunity coming right on the half hour mark when George Blackberry Odhiambo located Benson Omala inside the area with a pinpoint cross but the in form striker failed to cause any trouble to Kevin Omondi in goal as his free header went wide.##NAJAVA_MECA_6954606##The second half of the game got off to a much livelier start as the two sides traded two good chances in the opening three minutes.Omala going first for Gor Mahia with a low drive that Sofapaka goalie Omondi comfortably saved.Sofapaka then almost caught Gor on the counter but Gad Mathew ensured the the deadlock remained intact after punching away Baron Oketch’s attempt on target.With the game now an open contest for anyone as both teams continued asking the questions, it is Sofapaka who came close to finding the breakthrough on the hour mark but Rody Manga, despite deceiving the Gor defense on a free kick, could not even find the target all to himself in the area.##EDITORS_CHOICE##That chance almost came to haunt his side with fifteen minutes left on the clock but Omala seemed to have left his shooting boots at home when found in the box by Boniface Omondi.Instead of hitting the ball the very first time, the youngster chose to control before shooting, allowing the Sofapaka players to get the block.Despite late pressure from K’Ogalo, an unfazed Sofapaka maintained their cool as they stopped Gor Mahia’s two match winning streak.Starting XIGor Mahia: Gad Mathew(GK), Philemon Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Ernest Wendo, Geoge Odhiambo (Boniface Omondi 65′), Alpha Onyango (Sydney Ochieng 65′), Benson Omala, Austine Ochieng, John Macharia (Lloyd Khavuchi 75′)Sofapaka: Kevin Omondi, Brian Wepo, Titus Achesa, David Nshirimana, Ronack Otieno, Samwel Olwande, Sunday Ikekhai, Nixon Omondi (Maqbul Ochola 46′), Sifuna Ambrose (Musyoki Lucky 63′), Baron Oketch (Alex Imbusia 78′), Rody Manga (Stanley Omondi 63′).
