Lavatsa strike earns Gor continental berth

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Edwin Lavatsa’s 33rd minute strike, is all that Gor Mahia needed to clinch the 2011 FK Cup title, after stunning defending Champions Sofapaka 0-1 in an entertaining final on Wednesday 26 October at the City Stadium.

Lavatsa tapped the ball home from Kevin Ochieng's cross from the right with Sofapaka defenders well beaten.

The former Upper Hill Secondary student, was a thorn in Sofapaka’s defense from the word go, giving Edgar Ochieng’ and Musa Mudde torrid moments with his numerous raids.

Lavatsa the menace

The youthful Lavatsa could have scored the opener in the 25^th minute after looping the ball past the advancing custodian Duncan Ochieng’ but John Njoroge was on rescue for Sofapaka, clearing the ball from the goal-line.

A few minutes later, Ochieng’ denied Lavatsa on a one-on-one situation before the break as Sofapaka put a spirited fight in search for the equalizer but Gor defenders led by Eric Masika and Ivan Anguyo kept them at bay.

Mieno’s attempt

Humphrey Mieno could have snatched an equalizer for the Batoto Ba Mungu in the 78^th minute with a perfect strike but his shot richocheted off the crossbar, off danger and back into play.

Francis Kimanzi boys tried their level best to sneak through the tough guarded K’ogalo’s rear guard but all were in vain as Gor emerged the winners.

The victory has earned Gor a ticket to represent the country in the forthcoming CAF Confederation Cup next year for the second time in four years. Gor won it in 2008 to represent Kenya in the 2009 CAF Confederations Cup.