Nicholas Kipkirui came off the bench to score the winning goal as Gor Mahia beat APR 3-1 (Aggr: 4-3) to advance to the first round of the CAF Champions League
After losing 2-1 in the first leg last week, the home side had no option but to find a goal if they were to proceed into the first round of the competition.
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The expectations from Kogalo were almost torn when APR were handed a penalty inside ten minutes after Andrew Juma had brought down a player in his own box; a move that earned him a yellow card. Up stepped Jacques Tiyusenge for a chance to score against his former side but Gad Mathews was up to the task; the former Stima keeper parrying the ball away with his defence clearing the danger to prevent a follow up by the Rwandese.
APR were made to pay for their penalty miss when Samuel Onyango was to put Gor into the lead on the 17th minute; a goal that was to be the difference heading into the break. Chances came for the home side with Bernard Ondiek and Benson Omala missing glorious chances late on.
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Sammy Omolo was to make a double change ten minutes after resumption with Sydney Ochieng and Clifton Miheso introduced for Ondiek and Tito Okelo as Gor looked for a goal to be safe.
With APR increasing their attacking intent as the game went, Gor Mahia resolved to defend their goal with Omolo bringing on Geoffrey Ochieng for goalscorer Samuel Onyango.
It was, however, APR who restored parity in the 82nd minute through substitute Keddy Nsanzimfura much to the amazement of the Gor bench.
With captain Kenneth Muguna stretched off, Kipkirui was to be thrown into the fray with Gor Mahia restoring their lead through substitute Sydney Ochieng before Kipkirui came with the winner in added minutes after some good delivery from Clifton Miheso.
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(Image: Gor Mahia)
