English Premier League side Everton struggled to overcome Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia 2-1 in an exhibition match played on Thursday at National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

Former Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for the Toffees in the 34 minute before K’Ogalo striker Jacques Tuysenge equalized four minutes later.

The battle in search of a leading goal continued with each side pushing hard while heaping a heavy defense at the back all the way to the half-time break.

Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr then reshuffled his squad for the second stanza action but it was the Ronald Koeman outfit who shone brighter.

In the 82 minute, midfielder Kieran Dowell scored to put Everton ahead, a result which was maintained to the final whistle. Even the six minutes of added time could not change the score-line.

Gor Mahia qualified to face the English club after beating AFC Leopards in the 2017 SportPesa Super Cup finals in June.