Bandari stop Gor: Champions still hold two-point lead on top of Kenyan Premier League

Gor Mahia striker George Odhiambo and Bandari's Humphery Okoti vie for the ball during the KPL match at City Stadium. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Champions Gor Mahia could not seize the chance to widen their lead at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League log yesterday with their rivals Bandari forcing a barren draw at City Stadium.

Gor Mahia were offensive from the opening whistle and could have opened the score sheet early but Godfrey Walusimbi’s 28th minute goal was disallowed by centre referee Moses Osano for offside.

Dan Sserunkuma landed in a number of attempts but Bandari goalkeeper Wilson Obungu was equal to the task. Eric Ochieng’s low range shot went wide with Sserunkuma late run missing to tap in after 42 minutes of play. There were no goals in the first half.

Bandari, who came into the match on the back of a 1–1 draw against Western Stima, resumed the second half with renewed determination and mounted a series of attacks but Gor’s back line led by Haroun Shakava and David Owino remained vigil.

In the 50th minute, Victor Ndinya was yellow-carded for a foul on Walusimbi with George Odhiambo seeing his resultant free kick palmed out by Obungu.

Twahiri Muhiddin then brought in Raphael Okello for Kepha Aswani in the 58th minute. It helped the coast side momentarily take control of the midfield.

Prior to the rescheduled game, the defending champions were a point shy of the second-placed Sofapaka on 47 with Gor having played 25 matches.

K’Ogalo’s draw opens a two-point gap between closest challengers Sofapaka, seven behind fourth ranked Chemelil Sugar and six better of former champions and third placed Tusker FC, who visit Ulinzi Stars this afternoon at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

The Dockers remain on the verge of relegation, sitting 14th on 25 points, just five points away from the red zone.

Gor Mahia’s side would retain the title should they register positive results in their upcoming fixtures. Gor still have to meet relegation threatened Nairobi City Stars, Mathare United, Sofapaka, Muhoroni Youth and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Coach Frank Nuttal said yesterday’s result will not decide their title defence bid.

“The league is not won or lost with today’s result. We created chances in both halves and we did not utilise. We also had a goal disallowed,” said Nuttal.

His Bandari counterpart Twahir Muhiddin was happy to pick a point to make it four against the KPL champions.

“We beat Gor in the first leg, taking the three points and today a point makes it four this season. It’s a motivation going into the next matches,” said Muhiddin.

The league takes a break this weekend to pave way for the GOtv Shield Cup where Tusker, Sofapaka, AFC Leopards and Gor are involved.