Gor in decisive KPL contest, Sofapaka aim to slow down title

Past Kenyan Premier League.  [PHOTOS: BONIFACE OKENDO]

BY GILBERT WANDERA

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) 2013 season could well end on Wednesday if Gor Mahia beat Sofapaka at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Leaders Gor will be crowned new champions on 53 points and, with three matches to spare, end a long wait for the title they last won in 1995.

At the moment, Gor have 50 points and are the only team to have hit that mark. Victory today will move them to an unassailable 53 points, while their closest contenders remain at 43.

This means that even if Sofapaka were to win their remaining three matches, the best they can get is 52 points, which is one less than what Gor will have if they win today.

But victory for Sofapaka today will throw the race wide open since they will move to 46 points, which are four less than what Gor have at the top of the standings.

Gor, therefore, have every reason to want to end their title chase today considering that on two previous occasions, they have lost it on the last day of competition.

Last season was the most painful for Gor. Needing to just beat Thika United on the final day, they drew 1-1 as champions Tusker won 3-0 against Nairobi City Stars to run away with the title.

It is a situation Gor will not want to find themselves in again, hence they are doing everything possible to win.

Coach Bobby Williamson is expected to parade his strongest squad, with Ugandan forward Dan Sserunkuma leading their attack after recovering from an injury.

It is Sofapaka’s chance to delay Gor from being crowned KPL champions.

Sofapaka will be under more pressure to win as they strive to finish the season with silverware. The team were bundled out of the GOtv Shield on Sunday by AFC Leopards (2-0) and winning the KPL title remains their only hope for continental action next year.

Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe must find a way to motivate his players after they went down easily against Leopards.

Goalkeeper Duncun Ochieng’ was particularly awful after letting in an easy first goal and he may need to up his game against Gor.

Furthermore, Sofapaka will also need to use their vast experience to bear on Gor Mahia and here their top striker John Barasa has to do better than he did on Sunday.

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