Gor Mahia’s dream takes shape

By Gilbert Wandera

Who can stop Gor Mahia’s march to the Kenya Premier League (KPL) title?

The team proved that they are serious contenders for the local title after stopping pace-setters Tusker 2-1 at the weekend in another upset of the league.

The win was the third major victory for Gor, who just a month ago, were struggling to win matches forcing the exit of veteran coach James Sianga who ‘took a break’

It came after victories against champions Mathare United and Sony Sugar and has raised the club’s profile even as the league takes a one-month break this weekend.

The result proved right the prediction by Gor coach Gideon Ochieng that they can win the league.

Gor Mahia’s George Odhiambo (left) upstages Tusker’s Joseph Shikokoti at the weekend. Photos:Stafford Ondego/Standard

If the former champions can stop Bandari this Saturday, they will finish the first leg in the top five position from where they can launch a serious bid for the title at the start of the second leg.

For Tusker, the loss brought to a screech their great form over four weekends that had put them at the top of the standings for two consecutive weeks in what is turning out to be a competitive league.

Back to the top

Sofapaka move back to the top of the league, thanks to a 2-1 win over hard-fighting Agro-Chemicals at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

The current leaders, who enjoy a two-point lead over second-placed Tusker, should count themselves lucky for coming off with all three points.

Agro, handled by Henry Omino, are fast rising to their former self that brought down giants last season and were unlucky not to get at least a draw against Robert Matano’s men.

Sofapaka were restricted to a barren draw in the first half, but a triple substitution early in the second part of the match is what turned around the tie for them.

Fought back

Agro were impressive in their fight back after conceding two goals by Patrick Kagogo and Evans Wandera as their defenders marked out danger man Bob Mugalia.

Towering Nick Ochieng was particularly outstanding and it was not a surprise when he was awarded a penalty, which Ken Obiero easily converted.

It appears the competition is taking its toll on Sofapaka, given their weekend performance and the pressure exhibited by coach Matano on the touchline.

Sofapaka will need to find fresh inspiration going into the second leg but Agro are a team to watch after a disastrous start in the season.

But just who will save AFC Leopards? This must be the concern of every fan as the club slumped to another 2-1 loss at the hands of Chemelil Sugar to stay at the bottom of the standings with just nine points.

Relegation now appears inevitable for the former giants, who have won only once since the season started. Even the appointment of Twahir Muhiddin as technical advisor appears not to have changed anything.

Thika United, Western Stima and Sher Karuturi maintain their positions in the upper tier of the standings.