By Robin Toskin

Rama Salim converted City Stadium into a personal theatre to write his name, using his left-foot, in the hearts of Gor Mahia fans and, perhaps left Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic craving pjenušavo wine to wash down his hat-trick.

The Mwembe Tayari-born (Mombasa) youngster was in ruthless form as Gor Mahia dispatched KCB 3-1 in dramatic fashion in a Kenyan Premier League tie, on Sunday.

The bankers were not overawed, though, but will nevertheless hold up their hands and give it to the son of former Harambee Stars player Athman Mbuguss, who twice fed off the cunningness of Ugandan Dan Serunkuma to punish KCB.

Logarusic had warned K’Ogalo to respect the money men and their overall display bore characteristics of a side cautious of gungho-style attacking.

KCB had the better statistic in terms of shots at goal, corners and perhaps, too, ball possesion — which they started right from the first whistle.

But Gor Mahia’s first shot at goal gave them the lead in the 17th minute. Diminutive striker Serrunkuma peeled away on the left flank after escaping a tackle before laying the ball invitingly to the onrushing Salim.

And cool as a cucumber, the midfielder used at an advanced position in a three-pronged attack, rounded goalkeeper Kaleb Adola to plant the ball in the net.

DEFT TOUCH

KCB replied four minutes later through Elvis Ayany, when Edwin Mwaura’s deft touch of the ball with the outside of his right foot released Brian Osumba who cut back to the former Ulinzi Stars man to coolly finish at the bottom right corner of goalkeeper Jerim Onyango.

Gor Mahia looked suspect in defence, prompting Logarusic into action by withdrawing debutant holding midfielder Oscar Mbugua for Teddy Akumu in 36th minute.

The change worked, allowing K’Ogalo to pour foward although with little danger to KCB until a minute to half-time.

Serunkuma, who had not been involved that much came into the picture when he hared down the left flank again, forcing his way into the box and pulled back the ball for Salim to finish with aplomb.

Although KCB refused to lie down like an envelop, Salim had the final say with a crisp finish just after the hour mark.

TITLE AMBITION

The youngster, who has been overlooked on various occasions for international duty, robbed KCB’s Milton Milimo of the ball and curved home with astonishing coolness.

Gor Mahia improved to 26 points, but Logarusic refused to talk of title ambition saying: “We have to be realistic. The top four teams are far away and they are amassing points. I would rather that we take it step by step.”

In an earlier match at the same venue, Nairobi City Stars settled to a barren against visiting Western Stima.

It was a match devoid of goalmouth action, but which the resurgent city side should have edged especially after the introduction of Ibrahim Kitawi in the 71st minute.

The former Gor Mahia and Tusker midfielder sent a raking pass from inside his half to pick out David King’atua on the right flank.

Under pressure, King’atua managed to feed Duncan Owiti just inside the box, another of former Gor rejects contrived to flash over his effort with the goalkeeper David Juma seemingly miffed at ease with which his back four were beaten.

In Nakuru, Ulinzi Stars beat Rangers 3-1 thanks in part to Evans Amuoka’s brace, adds Ben Ahenda.

Amwoka gave Ulinzi Stars the lead in the sixth minute, but Rangers levelled matters 20 minutes later through Erick Ochieng.

The soldiers who have improved tremendously from their first leg below par showing had to wait until second half to get their second.

Stephen Waruru powered in their second with a header in the 48th minute.

Amuoka then got his second and Ulinzi’s third when he connected with substitute Kevin Amwayi’s corner in the 77th minute.

Ulinzi coach Sammy Simiyu admonished his players for letting off Rangers with a narrow margin and even allowing them space to equalise.

Ulinzi Stars face Western Stima in their next match at Afraha Stadium on Saturday.