Gor seeking to extend lead against Mathare United in crucial KPL match on Wednesday

Gor Mahia’s Patrick Oboya in action against Thika United during the GOTV Shield Cup at City Stadium two weeks ago. [PHOTO:JONAH ONYANGO:STANDARD]

By GILBERT WANDERA

Last season’s 2-2 second leg tie between Gor Mahia and Mathare United is still considered the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match of the year.

Then, Gor Mahia had to come from a goal down on both occasions before picking a point against a then highly motivated Mathare United side that was playing one of their best football matches.

The two teams are set for a repeat performance at Nyayo Stadium this evening but this time the stakes are considerably higher for both sides.

Gor Mahia, who have their eyes firmly on the title, will go eight points clear to the top if they stop Mathare United today and this will remain a major motivating factor as they go into the fixture.

Everyone agrees that the 2013 KPL title remains Gor Mahia’s to lose, but the road to the end is still far off.

The team must win their next four matches starting today to be assured of the title this season and avoid the pain of losing out on the last day as has happened on at least two occasions.

Last year, Gor were denied the championships title on the last day of the season after failing to get past Thika United at City Stadium, allowing Tusker, who beat Nairobi City Stars 3-0, to retain the trophy

The heartbreak came on the back of another failure to win the league in 2010, when they finished second to Ulinzi Stars.

It looks like Gor have done a lot this season to ensure that they run away with the prize by putting in place one of their best starts to the campaign, and despite the little hiccup of having to part ways with former coach Zradvko Logarusic, they look ready to end the long wait for victory.

The last time Gor won the national league was in 1995; they have come close twice since then. This is the third time they are in contention for the title.

Going into this fixture on the back of a crucial 1-0 win over Chemelil Sugar last weekend, Gor look motivated enough to win this one.

Even more motivated is Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma, who is back to his scoring prowess after a slight slump.

Sserunkuma and Kevin Omondi form a dangerous partnership capable of destroying their opponents.

The two always have the support of former Mathare United midfielder Innocent Mutiso, who comes face to face with his former club for the first time since jumping ship.

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango looks sharp between the posts and will need to be at his best to stop United’s forays into the net.

With a record 14 draws on their plate, it is time United starting picking full points in their matches if they want to escape relegation.

United have always given Gor Mahia trouble and Wednesday’s meet is not expected to be different, with veteran striker Francis Ouma leading their attack.

[email protected]