Title race tightens: Gor Mahia's loss to Sofapaka sets stage for an exciting league finish

Gor Mahia's Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title ambitions were dented at the weekend with a 3-2 loss to Sofapaka at Machakos Municipal Stadium.

The result could also have opened up the title chase to third placed Tusker who expect to be awarded their abandoned match against Muhoroni Youth sending their tally to 50 points on the log.

With two matches to go before the season ends, the title chase could be decided on the last day.

However, on paper, defending champions Gor Mahia are still firm favourites to clinch the title given the kind of opposition ahead of them.

This Saturday, Gor Mahia play Muhoroni Youth at Kisumu Stadium before winding up the season with a match against struggling KRA.

Victory for K'Ogalo on Saturday will hand them the title should Sofapaka lose to AFC Leopards at Mumias Complex on the same day.

Apart from AFC Leopards, Sofapaka still have Tusker to play in their last match of the season.

Should Gor Mahia win on Saturday, they will have 57 points on the log with Sofapaka only being capable of reaching 56 points if they beat Tusker in their last match of the season.

This situation therefore sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season and quite ironically, Gor Mahia may have to rely on arch-rivals AFC Leopards to beat Sofapaka this Saturday for the title to go to them.

It is however unlikely that this will happen. Sofapaka have come just too far to let it slip from their fingers and are determined to take the fight to the bitter end. The team has shown they have what it takes to lift the trophy and Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall was full of praise for them after Sunday's match.

"We had a very good start and even got a goal early but I think overall Sofapaka played well and deserved to win the game.

"They took their chances well and I also think we had instances we should have done well especially defensively but that is all gone now. There are two games to go now and anything can happen in those two matches," he said after his side's loss.

At the bottom of the table, new comers Nakuru All Stars confirmed their relegation status after going down 2-0 to Western Stima on Saturday.

After the loss, Stima remain on the bottom of the log with 17 points. Their exit leaves KCB and Nairobi City Stars in the survival battle. KCB have a better chance to remain after picking 25 points so far needing just two points from a possible six to survive.

In the middle of the table, a number of teams will be fighting for a top eight finish and they include AFC Leopards, Chemelil Sugar, Thika United, Muhoroni Youth, Sony Sugar and Western Stima.

Ulinzi are almost assured of a top three finish following their fifth win in a row against Thika United on Saturday away.