KPL: Gor Mahia open seven point lead

Gor Mahia FC captain Kenneth Muguna celebrates scoring against Western Stima FC during their Kenyan Premier League match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on February 29, 2020. [Stafford Ondego]

Gor Mahia opened a seven point gap at the top of the Kenyan Premier League with Saturday’s 3-2 hard fought win over Western Stima as their title rivals Tusker stumbled again.

Captain Kenneth Muguna and Boniface Omondi scored a goal each and provided an assist for each other at Kasarani Stadium yesterday as Gor scored quick fire goals in the opening 13 minutes to take a 3-1 lead at the break.

The victory saw the record champions take their points tally to 51, seven ahead of second placed Kakamega Homeboyz who welcome Nzoia Sugar at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the win, Gor coach Steven Polack expressed concerns over uncertainty surrounding the availability of this season league trophy and prize money.

“That will be very embarrassing especially to the players’ efforts if the league organisers fail to provide a trophy at the end of the season. Then what will we be playing for? The organisers need to do something,” said Polack.

But for the umpteenth time, Tusker (43) missed a chance to keep K’Ogalo in check after throwing away the lead to draw 2-2 away to relegation threatened side Kisumu All Stars.

Just like their previous game against Wazito (1-1), the brewers, who have a game in hand, were poised to a vital 2-1 win only for Eric Otieno to cancel out Timothy Otieno’s effort with last gasp curler.

Elvis Rupia’s first half goal also inspired ten man AFC Leopards (40) to a morale-boosting 1-0 win over struggling

Chemelil Sugar ahead of Mashemeji derby.

Sixth placed Ingwe had to finish the game with one man less after Clyde Senaji was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minute.

Ulinzi Stars leapfrogged KCB into the third spot after edging out Sofapaka 1-0 in Machakos.

Gor made an impressive start at Kasarani scoring three goals in the opening 13 minutes to take a 3-1 lead against Stima into the break

However, the powermen came back into second half a more rejuvenated side with youngster Benson Omalla’s 75th minute goal pilling pressure on Gor.

Boniface Omondi broke the deadlock in the third minute when he received a pass from Kenneth Muguna.

Eight minutes later, Omondi turned provider setting up Muguna, whose deflected shot flew past a hapless goalkeeper John Njau.

But Stima custodian will only have himself to blame for the third goal. Njau received a back pass before he mistakenly passed the ball to Lawrence Juma, who then teed up Nicholas Kipkirui in the area.

However, Baron Oketch pulled a goal back for the powermen from the spot on the stroke of halftime after Benson Omalla was tripped in the box by central defender Enock Ronack.

Goalkeeper Frederick Odhiambo then pulled off a superb save to ensure Gor went into the break with a comfortable 3-1 lead.

K’Ogalo coach Steven Polack brought in Samuel Onyango for Clifton Miheso ten minutes into the second half before Juma angled his shot wide after receiving a cross from the right channel.

Juma was at it again forcing a save from Stima keeper Frederick Odhiambo pushed out Omalla’s shot on the opposite end.

Substitute Stephen Onyango had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 70th minute but his shot at the edge of the box was deflected. [Additional reporting by Washington Onyango]