Mashemeji Derby: President Ruto promises to revive football.
The Head of state, President William Ruto has promised to help revive Kenyan football to the desired standards.
The President made his point clear after attending the Mashemeji derby between rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, where he awarded each team Sh.1 million.
“We want to ensure that we host the next Afcon and if possible clinch the title. I’ll continue to engage with CS Ababu (Namwamba) to ensure that we prepare the ground adequately for a successful bid and work on the infrastructure, including raising our fields to the required standards,” Ruto said
“I’ve enjoyed this game and I do not have doubt in my mind that enormous talent abounds in the country. We can achieve international glory if we give our players the support they need to excel,” Ruto stated.
Ingwe made a statement after dominating over Gor Mahia and securing a deserving 2-1 victory in front a fully packed stadium and top dignitaries that had Azimio leader Odinga and CS Sports Ababu Namwamba among other dignitaries present.
Victor Omune gave Ingwe the lead after converting a penalty in the 39th minute but Gor mahia levelled six minutes later courtesy of Austin Odhiambo before Otieno scored the winner for Leopards before the break.
Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems was elated after the win that had them reclaim Mashemeji derby bragging rights.
“I’m happy with the win. We played some good football today and every team member deserves a pat on the back,” Aussems said.
“The outcome gives us a lot of confidence heading into our FKF semifinals clash against Kakamega Homeboyz. Our target is to win the Cup and book a continental berth next season,” he added.
A disappointed Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinistry, expressed concern about the dwindling form of his players, citing the inability to convert the opportunities they had in front of goal.
‘’We missed a penalty and everything seemed to have fallen apart thereafter. We could have easily cruised to victory if we had made good use of the numerous chances we created,” McKinistry observed.
“The outcome makes our work a little bit difficult in the title contention but we hope to bounce back strongly. There is only a one-point gap between us and Tusker and we still stand a good chance to clinch the title,” he said.
Benson Omalla squandered a golden opportunity to fire Gor into the lead on the half-hour mark when he drove his penalty kick wide despite sending Leopards’ keeper Levis Opiyo the wrong way.
The result leaves Gor second on the league table with 63 points, one behind defending champions Tusker. On the other hand, Leopards are now seventh with 45 points.
Tags: Mashemeji Derby Gor Mahia Afc Leopards Kpl
