This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On August 25, 2019, Gor Mahia secured a 5-1 aggregate win over Burundi's Aigle Noir in the Caf Champions League preliminary round at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Nicholas Kipkurui Sunday, a 26-year-old attacker, scored twice in the first half to aid his team towards a comfortable victory against the tame opponents.
"This isn't about me. It's a fantastic result and we have played very well in what could have been a tough game. We settled in early which was crucial," Kipkurui explained in his post-match comments.
The result marked the third consecutive victory for Gor Mahia's new coach, Steven Pollack, who had to manage without the services of three lead strikers, including Ivorian Yikpe and Ghanaian Francis Afriyie, due to registration issues.
Despite the absence of Dennis Oliech due to fitness issues, the hosts produced an excellent brand of attacking football that excited thousands of fans in attendance, including opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The result also ensured a double victory for team Kenya in the first stage of the continental championship, following Bandari's earlier win on away goals rule against Sudan's Al Ahli Shendy.
Early in the match, Kipkurui was flagged offside by assistant referee Ambroise Hakizimana, but he soon made amends by scoring the opening goal with a wicked deflection after connecting with Kenneth Muguna's cross.
He added a second goal nine minutes later, heading home after a well-worked corner kick from Lawrence Juma.
With 37 minutes played, Kipkurui tapped into an empty net a Wellington Ochieng effort following a defensive mix-up involving Aigle Noir's keeper, Aime Ndizeye, and Jospin Nshirimana.
On the other side, Aigle Noir's Aime Christian had the best chance for the visitors in the opening half, but Gor's Tanzanian keeper, David Mapigano, saved the first shot and distracted the forward from hitting the target in his second attempt.
It was soon 4-0, with minutes into the second half, as new signing Dickson Ambundo pounced to stab home his first of the afternoon after Ndizeye spilled a harmless cross into the box from Boniface Omondi.
Benjamin Gasongo pulled a goal back for Aigle Noir late on, which ultimately proved a consolation.
With this result, the Kenyan champions are now 180 minutes away from progressing to the lucrative group stage of the tournament.
