Gor in KPL title race after win over Tusker

By Standard Team

Gor Mahia now have the advantage in the chase for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after edging out defending champions Tusker 1-0 at the City Stadium.

The win pushes Gor to the summit of the standings on 55 points and with two matches to go they seem to have put one hand on the trophy.

Dan Sserenkuma’s goal in the 13th minute made all the difference though there is  still debate on whether the ball really crossed the line.

The Ugandan unleashed a shot, which Boniface Oluoch appeared to have held it only for him to let go and assistant referee Dorcas Moraa ruled the ball had crossed the line. The match started on a high note from both sides and Tusker showed early ambition winning a first minute corner, which was repeated by Gor just two minutes later.

Both defenders appeared under siege and Gor had the first chance on goal when Christopher Wekesa went for goal but Oluoch tipped it out for a fruitless corner.

In the eighth minute Joseph Emeka found himself unmarked in front of the Gor Mahia goal but headed straight at Jerim Onyango.

Gor Mahia coach Zradvko Logarusic was guarded in his celebration insisting it is not over yet.

“Of course this is an important victory for us but we still have two matches to go and therefore we cannot begin celebrating,” he said.

His Tusker counterpart Robert Matano said: “We did not pick our chances but we are still in the race for the title. We have two games to go and remain determined to fight for it to the end.”

In Nakuru, Thika United picked a crucial point after holding Ulinzi Stars 1-1 staying on course to finish in a top five position.

Kepha Aswani shocked the home side with an early goal but Ulinzi fought hard and got an equaliser after 15minutes through Mulinge Munandi.

At Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium league strugglers bound Rangers resurrected their slim hopes of survival after coming from behind to force a 3-2 win against hosts Western Stima.

A brace from Evans Ogutu and Erick Muranda’s goal were enough to boost the  survival chances for Rangers.

Stima scored through Kevin Oluoch and Wesley Kemboi in the seesaw affair that attracted a sizeable crowd.

In Chemelil the sugar derby between Chemelil Sugar and Muhoroni Youth staged at Chemelil Sports Complex was rained-off and will be played today.

—Reporting by Gilbert Wandera, Francis Ontomwa, Bosco Magare and Ben Ahenda