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The Nairobian

KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE: Title chase hots up with Sofapaka ploting to beat Ushuru today and narrow gap between them and leaders Gor

Football

By Gilbert Wandera | Oct 16, 2014

Sofapaka plays AFC at Kenyatta stadium, Machakos county (Photo File)

Machakos: Sofapaka will be seeking to beat Ushuru (formerly KRA) to narrow the gap between them and leaders Gor Mahia in today’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Machakos Municipal Stadium.

The league resumes after a one week break that was used to pave-way for international fixtures played last weekend.

Sofapaka are currently second on the log with 47 points which is four less than leaders Gor Mahia who meet Mathare United on Sunday.

Victory today will push Sofapaka to 50 points and this is the closest they can ever get to Gor Mahia.

Sofapaka, who go into this match after a 2-2 tie against Sony Sugar two weeks ago, cannot afford another slip up if they are to remain in title contention.

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Coach Sam Timbe, who is expected to line up his best, will be glad that leading striker Enock Agwanda is back from international duty with Harambee Stars in Morocco.

There is also veteran striker John Barasa to offer that support upfront. The tax men have been struggling since the second leg of the league started, going on a six-match losing streak. However, coach Ken Kenyatta is confident the tax men will not be relegated.

“We did enough to survive in the first leg. In our remaining matches, we are just looking for a top-8 position,” he said.

Even then, the tax men must bring to an end the losing streak to boost the morale in the team considering that tough fixtures against big wigs Tusker and Gor Mahia still await them.

The team has been depleted following injuries to key players; Douglas Okumu, George Mwangi, Hassan Muhammad, Barack Odhiambo, George Opiyo, Robert Binja and Paul Njaaga all out of today’s match.

KRA underwent a name change at the weekend in a move their sponsors hope can inspire them to do well in the remaining fixtures.

Tomorrow, AFC Leopards host Thika United at City Stadium. Leopards were initially scheduled to travel to Awendo today for their rescheduled fixture against Sony Sugar but the match was put-off indefinitely.

Both Leopards and Thika United will be trying to enhance their top-eight status after a poor start to the league.

The first leg fixture between the two sides ended in chaos after AFC Leopards fans rioted but this time the KPL runners-up must strive to win it on the pitch.

Leopards, who have of late been enjoying good form over the last two matches, will be hoping to continue on their winning streak.

Like Leopards, Thika United are also doing well, setting the stage for an exciting encounter at City Stadium.