Nakumatt hold Gor Mahia: Muchiri’s brace for Tusker helps sinks Kakamega Homeboyz

GOR MAHIA VS NAKUMATT- MACHAKOS Gor Mahia Ephraim Guikan(R) and Kelvin Omondi of Nakumatt battle for ball possession during their KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Saturday 04/08/18[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Nakumatt twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw against Gor Mahia to slow down the champions’ charge towards their unprecedented 17th league title.

Goals from Joe Waithera and subsitute Harun Nyakha cancelled out efforts from Ephrem Guikan and Boniface Omondi’s efforts in a thrilling encounter at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

“It was a tactical game. That is a fair result because both teams created numerous chances.

“But I think we should have won it in the first half. We dominated it and created many scoring opportunities, but failed to convert them,” Nakumatt coach Medd Melis told The Standard Sports.

“With such performances, I really doubt if we will be relegated. We have the quality and fighting spirit that will see us play topflight football next season again.”

Following the draw, the unbeaten K’Ogalo, who have two games in hand, take their points tally to 56 and establish a 14 point advantage over second placed Bandari at the summit. The dockers beat Posta Rangers 3-1 at Camp Toyoyo to leapfrog Sofapaka, who host Ulinzi Stars in Narok today, into the second spot.

Gor Mahia took the lead in the 34th minute when Guikan comfortably controlled a pass from Philemon Otieno before beating Nakumatt goalkeeper Phillip Odhiambo.

Four minutes later, Cornelius Juma could have drawn level but the unmarked winger failed to power home John Njoroge’s superb delivery from the left flank.

Nakumatt goalkeeper then pulled off two fine saves in succession to deny Boniface Omondi and Guikan in the 51st and 56th minutes respectively.

Gor were then punished in the 64th minute as Waithera clinically drew level before John Avire’s glancing header went over the bar.

Lawrence Juma then saw his effort intercepted before he set up his former Nzoia Sugar teammate Boniface Omondi for the second goal in the 72nd minute.

Moments later, substitute Jacobs Faina forced a brilliant save from Gor Mahia custodian Shaban Odhoji before Karim Nizigiyimana made his return long term injury, replacing Kevin Omondi in the 83rd minute.

Nyakha then pounced on Boniface Mukhekhe’s rebound to score a stoppage time equaliser, to end Gor’s eight game winning run.

In Awasi, Chemelil Sugar saw off Vihiga United 1-0 as Boniface Muchiri’s brace inspired former champions Tusker to a 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium.