Kenya Premier League Golden Boot race takes twist

KCB players Samuel Mwangi(left) and Reagan Otieno celebrate their goal against Kariobangi Sharks during their KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday 30/11/19. KCB won 5-2 [PHOTO: Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The race for the Golden Boot in the 2019/20 Kenya Premier League campaign has taken an interesting twist, at least from a neutral point of view.

This is after Wazito FC's new boy Elvis Rupia bagged his second hat-trick, one that will count this time round, after his first of the season that came against Sony Sugar was annulled following the latter’s relegation after dishing out a third walkover of the campaign.

Rupia found the net thrice against Chemelil Sugar at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, as Wazito edged past the cash-strapped millers 6-0, Derrick Otanga, Victor Ndinya and Pistone Mutamba each bagging goals in the resounding win.

The weekend exploits have the Wazito goal-sniffer second in the race with five goals, two behind lead scorer Timothy Otieno of Tusker FC.

Rupia is joint second with John Makwatta of AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz’s Peter Thiong'o who both have five goals to their names after matchday 12.

Ingwe heaD coach Andre Cassa Mbungo did not accord Makwatta the chance to better his tally in Saturday’s two-all away draw with Nzoia Sugar after the attacker missed out on the matchday squad.

Thiong’o’s brace in their 3-1 win over Mathare United in Machakos on Friday saw him eclipse his skipper Allan Wanga who is joint fifth with Gor Mahia’s Francis Afriye, Sofapaka duo Elli Asieche and Brian Nyakan, Enock Agwanda (KCB) and Gor Mahia skipper Kenneth Muguna on four goals.

Nzoia FC's Robert Lokwang (left) and Elvis Rupia of Wazito FC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos. [Photo: Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Last season’s lead scorer Enosh Ochieng (20) has two goals two his name- a brace against Kisumu All-Stars in their 2-0 win on the opening weekend. His stoppage-time strike in their 3-1 win over Sony Sugar has since been annulled.

KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE TOP SCORING CHART

Timothy Otieno (Tusker) -7

John Makwatta (AFC Leopards) -5

Elvis Rupia (Wazito) -5

Peter Thiong'o (Kakamega Homeboyz) -5

Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia) -4

Francis Afriye (Gor Mahia) -4

Elli Asieche (Sofapaka) -4

Brain Nyakan (Sofapaka) -4

Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz) -4

Enock Agwanda (KCB) -4