KPL: AFC to determine Gor's fate

AFC Leopards James Situma(L) fight for ball possession against Cliffton Miheso(C) and Maurice Odipo of Sofapaka during their GOtv Shield Semi final at City Stadium, Nairobi on Monday 20/10/14.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

AFC Leopards could just determine whether arch-rivals Gor Mahia are crowned the 2014 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions on Saturday.
This is because if AFC Leopards beat Sofapaka and Gor Mahia collect maximum points against Muhoroni Youth, then the title chase will be over.
A win for Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium in Kisumu will give them an unassailable 57 points. But this is only if AFC Leopards beat Sofapaka. A loss for Sofapaka will bring their title chase to a halt as they will not be able to catch up with the league champions even if they beat Tusker in the last match since the most number of points they can get is 56.
Given the situation at hand, Gor Mahia do not need any more motivation to beat Muhoroni Youth.
The league champions know that their title chase was delayed last weekend after the 3-2 loss to Sofapaka and cannot afford to keep their fans waiting any longer.
Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall admitted that the team gave a sub-standard performance against Sofapaka, but is confident they will do better this time around.
“Against Sofapaka we did not give it our best and they deserved to win that match. Our defending was sloppy but the good thing is that I believe my players are able to do better than what we did in Machakos.
“For us, all matches are important and we are not underrating anyone,” he said ahead of the Muhoroni Youth fixture.
Gor Mahia forward Dan Sserunkuma has another chance to extend his goal tally as he fights to emerge the golden boot winner.
Sserunkuma is still stuck on 14 goals after failing to score against Sofapaka but this is one match he will want to get more goals in.
Muhoroni Youth have beaten Gor Mahia only once since they joined the KPL three years ago.
The team is having a good season this year and are almost assured of a top eight finish for the first time since being promoted to top flight football.

In Mumias, Sofapaka know that the title chase will be over if they go down and will be going for at least a draw to keep their ambitions alive.
Sofapaka remain the only team still in contention for two trophies. They are also in the final of the GOtv shield where they will play Rangers.
However, winning the KPL title remains the most prestigious achievement and where they will want to remain in contention until the last day.