Gor, Sofapaka in high stakes penultimate round of fixtures

Sofapaka's Fistone Abdul (left) and David Owino of Gor Mahia fight for ball control during their Kenya Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on October 26, 2014. After falling to Sofapaka in Machakos last weekend, champions Gor Mahia have a date with Muhoroni Youth in Kisumu while Sofapaka are up against AFC Leopards at the Mumias Sports Complex. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • However, a reported go-slow within Ingwe’s camp over unpaid allowances coupled with the week-long disappearance of coach Pieter De Jongh means that the team will go into the match with distractions.
  • Gor coach Frank Nuttal will hope to uplift his charges from the 3-2 loss to Sofapaka against Muhoroni on Saturday.

The Kenyan Premier League season enters the penultimate round of fixtures Saturday, with all eyes on Kisumu and Mumias where title contenders Gor Mahia and Sofapaka will be in action.

After falling to Sofapaka in Machakos last weekend, champions Gor Mahia have a date with Muhoroni Youth in Kisumu while Sofapaka are up against AFC Leopards at the Mumias Sports Complex.

Leopards and Sofapaka have scores to settle from their latest meeting in the GOtv Shield semi-final match which ended acrimoniously.

In the league, Ingwe have put together three straight wins and have risen to sixth with 38 points, while Sofapaka, who are seeking their second league title, are second on the log with 53 point, a point behind Gor.

However, a reported go-slow within Ingwe’s camp over unpaid allowances coupled with the week-long disappearance of coach Pieter De Jongh means that the team will go into the match with distractions.

Sofapaka welcome back defender Felly Mulumba from suspension but will miss Danson Kago, who is out with an ankle strain.

IN GREAT FORM
The 2009 champions are enjoying a great form, having gone eight matches without losing. The ‘Batoto ba Mungu’ will rely on the explosive Enoch Agwanda, prolific Abdul Fiston and the enterprising Ekaliani Ndolo upfront.

Gor coach Frank Nuttal will hope to uplift his charges from the 3-2 loss to Sofapaka against Muhoroni on Saturday. “We lost because our opponents turned up better than us. But we have learned our mistakes and we will do everything to stay on top,” Nuttal said.

On Sunday, Tusker will face eighth-placed Thika United at Ruaraka Stadium, while relegation-threatened City Stars play already relegated Top Fry All Stars at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

With fellow strugglers KCB also in action against Sony Sugar at Ruaraka, the other team that joins Top Fry in the second-tier league could be known Sunday.

City Stars future in the top tier appears grim given that they must win their last two matches and hope that the bankers falter. But if KCB picks a point against Sony, City Stars’ fate will be sealed.