After Ingwe draw, Gor now need seven victories to clinch trophy

Gor and AFC fans dance to tunes before derby match on Sunday. [PHOTOS: STAFFORD ONDEGO/ STANDARD]

By GILBERT WANDERA

AFC Leopards may have temporarily stalled Gor Mahia’s march to the Kenyan Premier (KPL) title with a 2-2 tie at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.

In other matches, KPL sides easily marched to the next round of the GOtv tournament with outstanding performance against Division One sides.

After Sunday’s result Gor still have to win their next seven matches to be assured of winning the title starting with next weekend against an improved SoNy Sugar side.

Leopards had taken a comfortable 2-0 lead with Edwin Wafula scoring the opener in the 33rd minute before Paul Were extended their lead in the 51st minute.

Gor fought back with goals by David Owino and Dan Sserunkuma in a result that deeply exposed the defences of both sides.

The result has left Gor still perched at the top of the standings with 41 points while Leopards lie third on the log with 32 points.

 

Lapse in concentration

Overall, the derby lived upto its billing but a disappointing performance by both sets of defenders denied either of the teams outright victory.

Leopards coach Luc Eymael admitted afterwards that a lapse in concentration cost his side the match.

“This was our match from the word go. However, as the game progressed we allowed Gor to score two simple goals due to lack of concentration,” he said.

Eymael also appeared to blame goalkeeper Patrick Matasi for the first goal pointing out that the custodian could have done better to prevent it.

While Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson said he was happy with the result he also admitted incidences of complacency.

Complacency

“There was a bit of complacency in the first half and we paid for it with an easy goal. I am delighted that we managed to improve and snatched a point,” he said.

Elsewhere, Sofapaka thrashed Agrochemcals 6-0 in their GOtv shield fixture at City Stadium on Sunday.

Edwin  Kasolo scored the opening goal for Sofapaka in the tenth minute and added another one five minutes later. Other Sofapaka goals were scored by Eli Esieche, Enock Agwanda, Bob Mugalia and Eugene Asike as the club made it to the pre-quarters.

In another match Ulinzi Stars thrashed Moyas 3-1 at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium while Karuturi Sports stopped Hotsprings 2-0. Kariobangi Sharks upset KPL side Muhoroni Youth 2-0.

The winning teams will play against tougher opposition in the next round hoping to make it to the final where a Sh2million prize money awaits for the taking.