Tusker hoping to leave Gor tipsy in potential title decider

Gor Mahia FC's Ernest Wendo (L) challenge Tusker FC's Jackson Macharia during their FKF Premier League match at Kasarani on February 8. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

The race to win the 2022-2023 Football Kenya Federation-Premier League title will take centre stage today when record champions Gor Mahia take on defending champions Tusker at Nyayo Stadium from 3pm.

Even though many have reduced the title race to a battle between the two teams, it will not be a surprise if Nzoia Sugar joins the title talk if one of the two top sides lose today.

The sugar men who have built a fortress at their Sudi Stadium in Bungoma are just four points off the top and could benefit from any slip-ups from the Brewers and K'Ogalo.

However, Gor head coach Jonathan McKinstry is not keen to drop points against the champions as he prepares to bounce back from the 2-1 Mashemeji Derby defeat to arch-rivals AFC Leopards two weeks ago.

Speaking to FKF media, McKinstry said the players were in good spirits.

"There is no short cut for us if we want to win the game. Tusker are playing really well and with the few additions they made and players returning from injury, we have to be at our best if we are to come out on top.

"Tusker is a team that is fond of scoring late goals deep into stoppage time meaning they have that mental stability. If you take that into account, this match will be special because it would not matter if we score first but what will count is who finishes the game strongly," said McKinstry.

"We have to go full throttle. We have to turn up against Tusker where we have to be clinical. To our fans, we need you again. Come in large numbers just as you did in the Mashemeji Derby."

Tusker head into the potential title decider with a better head to head record having beaten Gor three times in their last five league meetings.

February's 2-1 win was K'Ogalo's first win over the brewers since August 2019 when they thrashed Tusker 5-2 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Tusker lead the FKF Premier League log with 64 points, while Gor are a point adrift

"Since we are on top of the league right now, it is something that will keep us pushing. The focus is just on the Sunday game, which we are all motivated to win so that we maintain our place at the top of the log," Tusker striker Deogratius Ojok told FKF Media.

"We are confident because we know what it means to be on top of the league, and so it keeps us motivated. We are happy and motivated to win the Sunday game, and we are going to do our best in that game".

Other matches will see Bidco United host bottom placed Vihiga Bullets at Kasarani Annex which will host a double header. Bullets have already been relegated to the National Super League.

The second match will see FC Talanta play FKF Cup finalists Kakamega Homeboyz.