Kenyan champions Gor Mahia produced a ruthless show to thrash APR FC 5-0 in CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening.
Charles Akonnor’s aspect outclassed the hosts in each division to maneuver to the highest of Group A and underline their credentials as early title contenders.
APR, backed by a big dwelling crowd, began brightly however struggled to transform possession into clear-cut possibilities in opposition to a disciplined Gor Mahia defence marshalled by captain Mike Kibwage and Frank Odhiambo.
The breakthrough arrived within the thirty third minute when Kibwage rose highest to place the guests forward. Gor Mahia doubled their benefit simply two minutes later by way of Cameroonian striker Patrick Essombe, whose low end from the sting of the field left APR goalkeeper with no likelihood.
Holding a snug 2-0 lead on the interval, Gor Mahia returned from the break with the identical depth, irritating APR’s makes an attempt to mount a comeback.
The Kenyan aspect dominated midfield by way of Alpha Onyango, Jackson Dwang and debutant Enock Machaka, limiting the Rwandan champions to few significant alternatives.
Akonnor’s substitutions additional tipped the stability in Gor Mahia’s favour. New signing Paul Okoth marked his aggressive debut with a objective within the 73rd minute, calmly ending from shut vary after a well-worked transfer down the left flank.
Six minutes later, fellow debutant Lesley Otieno added a fourth objective to cap a formidable first look for the membership. Ghanaian ahead Ebenezer Assifuah-Inkoom then accomplished the rout within the eighty fifth minute, firing dwelling from inside the world.
Gor Mahia now lead Group A forward of Uganda’s Vipers SC, who defeated Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine 3-0. The Kenyan giants will face Vipers on Monday in a match that would show decisive within the race for a spot within the knockout levels.
