PRESSURE MOUNTS: Kenyan Premier League title chase now a four-horse race

Gor Mahia Kevin Oluoch(L) hang for header against Ismael Dunga of Tusker during their KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday 26/03/14. They draw 1-1.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

After 24 rounds of matches, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title chase has been narrowed down to four teams - Sofapaka, Gor Mahia, Tusker and Chemelil Sugar but it may not necessarily end in this order.

In what is likely to turn out to be the closest finish in the KPL, any of the four teams are capable of being declared the 2014 champions looking at how closely they are following each other.

Sofapaka are top with 43 points, same as second-placed Gor Mahia, who have an inferior goal aggregate.
Third-placed Tusker are also tied on 41 points with Chemelil Sugar. At this rate, it looks like KPL will have to have four trophies on the last day of competition as the champion is likely to be decided then.
Among the four teams, champions Gor Mahia have a slight advantage, having played two matches less than Sofapaka and Chemelil and one less than Tusker.

This situation could as well decide the title chase in Gor Mahia's favour. With eight matches to go before the season winds up, Gor Mahia will need to win six times and a high scoring draw to be assured of retaining the title as this will push their tally to 62 points, which is what Tusker can also collect if they win all their remaining seven matches.

But it will not be a walk in the park for Gor Mahia as they realised in a match against Tusker that ended 1-1 result on Sunday at Kasarani.
From now on, every team will be coming out strongly against the champions, something that will make their title defence even more difficult.

Tusker have built an enviable reputation as a side that excels against stronger teams, going by their performance against Gor on Sunday.
The team once again came from a goal down to pick a point from the match they could have won easily.

Before that, Tusker had come from a goal down to edge out Ulinzi Stars in the GOtv shield tournament.
In both matches, Tusker showed that having a strong bench can make all the difference and this is where the brewers have an advantage over all the other three title contenders.

Sofapaka's 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars put them at the top of the log for the first time this season. Since winning the title in 2009, it has always been a case of so near yet so far for Sofapaka and this remains their best chance to repeat what they did in 2009.

The team has gone through numerous challenges to be where they are today and if they can hang on for another two months, the title will be theirs for the taking.

Chemelil Sugar must be looking at the table and be surprised at their fourth place.
Even if they do not win the title, the sugar millers are expected to have their best finish ever and for that have former international Mike Mururi to thank.