Football
Asenwa Sets Huge Targets After Helping Nairobi City Stars Upset Gor Mahia
Robinson Asenwa's stellar performance led Nairobi City Stars to their first season win over Gor Mahia, marking a turning point after recent losses and lifting them from the relegation zone.
Imae Credits: Nairobi City Stars Media
Reigning FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia were on Monday October 28, 2024, handed their first defeat of the season in the hands of Nairobi City Stars in a match played at the Machakos Stadium.
Man of the match Robinson Asenwa delivered a standout performance as Simba wa Nairobi came from a goal down to stun Leonardo Martins Neiva’s Gor Mahia, a result that saw the away fans reprimand team captain Philemon Otieno, who offered an apology on behalf of the Green Army.
Asenwa Shines in Key Match
The midfielder not only scored a goal but provided an assist, playing a crucial role in his team's first win of the season. Asenwa expressed his delight and attributed the win to a collective team effort and belief that they had what it takes to tame the visitors.
I had a feeling that this was going to be a very good day, and I am glad it came to pass. “It has been hard for us, the losses, the draw and now we have tasted victory, we have been working hard and it was only a matter of time before positive results started streaming in.
Robinson Asenwa
Kakamega Homeboyz Setback
Last week, Simba wa Nairobi lost 2-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Complex, a result that put Nicholas Muyoti under pressure and a perfect response against Gor Mahia meant that he jumped off the relegation spot to 14th on the league table.
Asenwa, who has been at the epicenter of City’s attack, says a good talk from Muyoti did the trick against Gor Mahia.
“After the setback against Homeboyz, we went back to the drawing board, the coach gave us a pep talk and it played a huge role in boosting our morale ahead of this tie,” a delighted Asenwa said.
A visibly delighted Muyoti heaped praise on his young side that finished the match with 10 men.
“I thank the boys for the effort they put in today against a very experienced Gor Mahia side.In the first half, we had a few chances but all went to waste but in the second half, we woke up and utilized our chances and got this huge result,” said Muyoti.
City Stars take Advantage of Weak Gor Mahia
The midfielder, who was deployed on the right side of attack, took advantage of the weak Gor Mahia backline to score in the 60th minute and set up Dennis Oalo for the winner nine minutes later.
K’Ogalo had taken the lead in the 23rd minute of the game through a Levin Odhiambo’s long distance strike.
Neiva drops Indiscipline Players
Going into the match, Gor Mahia coach Neiva dropped four key players from the match-day squad after they went against the club’s policy to participate in an unsanctioned match over the weekend.
Striker Chris Ochieng, midfielder Musa Masika, Paul Ochuoga and Enock Morrison were reprimanded by the Brazilian gaffer for playing for a non-league side and this led to many fringe players being handed a chance against City Stars.
Austin Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango and Geoffrey Onyango were also not part of the losing Gor Mahia side fsince they are away on national team duty with the Harambee Stars.
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