KPL:Only Thika United, Homeboyz and Sofapaka stand between Gor and KPL crown

By GILBERT WANDERA

Gor Mahia’s Innocent Mutiso (left) misses the ball against Tusker FC goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch during a past Kenyan Premier League match at City Stadium.

Gor Mahia could be crowned Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions on October 27 if they beat Kakamega Homeboyz at home.

But that is only if they also overcome Thika United on October 16 and Sofapaka on October 23.

Gor need nine points out of a possible 15 in their remaining five fixtures to be crowned champions. This is, however, likely to reduce to just six if they are awarded their abandoned match against Sony Sugar, meaning their October 27 clash against fellow title contenders Sofapaka might just be the title decider.

After their latest win against Mathare United, Gor have 47 points and another nine will put them at 56, which is one more than second-placed Sofapaka – currently on 40 points – will get even if they win their remaining five matches.

The other fixtures in Gor’s path are a November 2 match against KCB and the season ender a week later in Nakuru against Ulinzi Stars at Afraha Stadium.

Gor will be under pressure to be crowned champions with a few matches to go, considering that on the previous two occasions when they have come close, they lost on the last day of competition.

impressive win

AFC Leopards continued with their rise to the top following an impressive 3-0 win over Muhoroni Youth at Afraha Stadium and once again the decision to use experienced players paid off for coach James Nandwa.

Goals by Allan Wanga, Charles Okwemba and Oscar Kadenge helped Leopards pick all three points on offer as they moved to third position on the log with 38 points.

For new Muhoroni Youth coach Peter Odhiambo, this  was a disastrous start to his career at the club and raises doubts about his ability to remain in top flight football next season.

major life-line

While Muhoroni struggle, Homeboyz got a major life-line after upsetting Western Stima 1-0 in the Kakamega derby played at Bukhungu Stadium.

The win gives Homeboyz a major relief as they move to 23 points on the log.

Victories in their next four matches will guarantee them survival in top flight football next season.

Going into the match, Homeboyz needed to win at all costs and it was their last chance to escape the axe.

Stima on the other hand are left to battle against relegation after failing to hit the 30-point mark as expected.

The loss compounds problems for coach Francis Barasa as his side has now not won in eight league matches, with majority of the results ending in draws.

But Karuturi were not so lucky and added to their  relegation woes after playing to a  barren draw against Sofapaka. 

The Naivasha side are at the bottom of the log with 18 points from 25 matches and will need a miracle to survive.

It was another disappointing performance by the Naivasha side who have been dropping points all over.

For Sofapaka, the draw hurt their chances of lifting the KPL title as they moved seven points adrift of leaders Gor. Sofapaka were expected to significantly cut into Gor’s lead but this never happened.

 

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