Gor Mahia joined premier league rivals AFC Leopards, Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars out of the SportPesa Shield after they were knocked out by Bandari FC 5-4 on post-match penalties after a 1 – 1 draw in regular time at the Mbaraki Sports Club.
The Loss came barely two days after their weekend 2-0 loss to Morocco’s RS Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mbaraki Grounds has always remained a bad hunting ground for Gor Mahia and yet again, the venue turned out to be a slaughter house
after they went down through the lottery of penalties.
The match saw the return of skipper Harun Shakava and Ugandan leftback – Shafik Batambuze, in the starting lineup after the defensive duo missed their weekend loss to the Morocco side.
Bandari began harassing their visitors in the first 10 minutes, with veteran Felly Mulumba going close with a beautiful header that was tipped over the bar by Gor keeper, Peter Odhiambo.
The Dockers went yet again close with Collins Agade testing Gor keeper yet again as Bandari enjoyed good possession in the first half but Odhiambo was equal to the task guarding the K’Ogallo goal.
The victors took the lead in the 56th minute through Ugandan William Wadri, who headed a nice cross past the keeper.
After making several changes, Gor Mahia raised their game and their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute, when Dennis Oliech equalized to the delight of Gor fans.
Boniface Onyango had a shot blocked by Bandari’s Duncan Otewa that found speedy Oliech lurking within the box to plant the ball home.
Samuel Onyango made Gor fans weep when he missed one of Gor Mahia’s penalties, handing Bandari the advantage, and goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo scored the winning kick that sees Bandari secure
their spot in the quarter finals.
PHOTO/COURTESY
