Gor Mahia needed a stoppage-time goal by Chris Ochieng' to get all three points against Sharks as they ended the first leg unbeaten.
Chris Ochieng was the hero as Gor Mahia managed to overcome a resistant Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 in stoppage time to reach the 40-point mark for the season and maintain their unbeaten status in an FKFPL match played at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Saturday.
Ochieng' who signed from Bidco United last August, showed his worth in front of goal, having failed to find the target on a regular basis this season.
There was nothing much to write about the first half, with both sides struggling to create real goal-scoring chances.
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Although Gor had loads of possession, they were not really penetrating through the Sharks' defence, and not even a freekick earned in the 25th minute was enough to put the 20-time league champions ahead.
Just before halftime, Sylvester Owino limped off the pitch after picking up an injury, which left Johnathan McKinstry with no choice but to sub on Joshua Onyango.
The second half did not start any differently from the first half, and the lack of decisiveness was epitomised by the fact McKinstry was forced to make three changes in the 63rd minute.
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Boniface Omondi, Chris Ochieng and Earnest Wendo came on for Patrick Sibomana, Bryson Wangai -who had made a rare start - and Lawrence Juma in efforts to find the breakthrough.
In the 75th minute, Gor had a good opportunity to go ahead when an attempt by Ochieng went narrowly wide to keep the score goalless.
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The game looked like it would not produce any goals until Ochieng found the breakthrough for the reigning league champions in stoppage time, before wheeling away in celebration.
In the end, the goal would be enough to give them all three points and put them on the 40-point mark, whilst maintaining their unbeaten run of the season.