The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title race opened up with Sofapaka and Tusker bouncing back to contention as Gor Mahia ceded ground.
Gor Mahia’s Kevin Omondi challenges Fredrick Onyango of Tusker for the ball during their KPL match at Nairobi City Stadium on Sunday. PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD
Sofapaka moved into second position on the log after stopping Thika United 3-2 away in Thika on Saturday mounting more pressure on leaders Gor Mahia.
It was the first win for new Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe, who said there is still a lot more to be done.
“We are delighted by this win and the boys really did their best by playing according to instructions. However, we still have a long way to go in our title chase and hope to do better in our next match,” said Timbe.
Mustapha Kasolo, Anthony Kimani and Bernard Mangoli scored a goal each for Sofapaka with Dennis Odhiambo and Wycliff Opondo responding for United.
This was Sofapaka’s second win in a row and has put them firmly back on track as they chase their second title since earning promotion to the top league in 2009.
Moved up
Sofapaka moves to second position on the log with 38 points, just three behind leaders Gor Mahia, who lost to champions Tusker on Sunday at City Stadium.
At City Stadium on Sunday, Gor Mahia’s title ambitions were dealt a blow after losing 1-0 to defending champions Tusker.
Gor were hoping to extend their lead to nine points with confusion still surrounding the abandoned match against Sony Sugar.
The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are at loggerheads over whether to award Gor the points or order for a replay.
Ismael Dunga scored the only goal for Tusker, who revived their chances a third title in a row.
First loss
This also marked the first loss for new Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson, who joined the club three months ago. Tusker moved to fourth place following the win, which came just a week after they stopped AFC Leopards 2-1 at Nyayo Stadium.
While Tusker and Sofapaka bounced back into contention, it is all over for AFC Leopards, who once again failed to break the Chemelil jinx going down 3-1 to the sugar millers on Saturday.
Leopards have not beaten Chemelil in ten years but they still have another chance to end the jinx on Saturday in a GOtv Shield second round match.
The loss by Leopards officially ended their title ambitions and they will have to focus on the 11Cup competition. Joseph Mwaniki, Tony Opondo and Victor Omondi scored the goals for Chemelil to help them win the match with Ezekiel Seda pulling one back for Leopards.
Karuturi Sports and Kakamega Homeboyz are still in basement after fighting to a barren draw on Saturday.
By GILBERT WANDERA, The Standard
