Gor out as Tusker, KCB set to qualify for CAF Champions League

KCB's Harun Thomas (left) and Henry Meja of Tusker FC during an FKF Premier League match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Defending champions Gor Mahia are out of the Caf Champions League qualification contention after they lost their round 21 Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against relegation-threatened Western Stima over the weekend.

Struggling Western Stima shocked the record Kenyan champions after narrowly edging them out 2-1, a result that blew away Gor chances of securing the sole champions league ticket by Wednesday, June 30.

Last month, FKF confirmed that the team leading the table on June 30 will be given the slot to represent Kenya in the 2021/22 Champions League.

FKF were forced to issue the directive after CAF set a June 30 deadline for members states to submit the names of their respective representatives for the continental club competition.

The loss left Gor fourth in the standings with 38 points, six points behind league leaders Tusker and five behind second-placed KCB.

Tusker top the FKF-PL table with 44 points despite not playing over the weekend followed by KCB with 43 points.

The bankers wasted their chance of going top of the standings after drawing 0-0 with Kakamega Homeboyz at ASK Showgrounds in Nakuru. 

However, both Tusker and KCB stand a chance to represent Kenya at the continental championship ahead of the FKF-PL midweek matches scheduled for Wednesday, June 30.

Tusker will face Ulinzi Stars at ASK Showgrounds in Nakuru, as KCB take on Nzoia Sugar on the same defining day.

The Brewers will need to win their match to seal their spot knowing that a slip might guarantee KCB a spot if they win against the sugar men.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards revived their title ambition hopes after regained ground on the top two teams with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bandari. 

Their first victory in four matches saw Leopards leapfrog defending champions Gor Mahia into third on 40 points.

In Mombasa, Bandari ended their six-match winless streak in style by thrashing Kariobangi Sharks 4-1 at Mbaraki Sports Club.  

The wins saw them go above Sharks in sixth place, with both teams on 31 points.

The loss was however Sharks fifth straight loss for Sharks having lost to Tusker, Wazito, Nairobi City Stars and Ulinzi.

Elsewhere, Erick Kapaito ended his goal drought in the second leg of the league by scoring Sharks consolation goal in their 4-1 loss to Bandari as the race for the golden boot intensified.

Kapaito is the leading scorer on 15 goals followed by Elvis Rupia of Leopards with 14 goals.