Gor Mahia sip Tusker to extend lead

Gor Mahia on Saturday tightened their grip on the top sport after edging out champions Tusker 2-0 in an exciting SportPesa Premier League match at a rain-soaked Green Stadium in Kericho.
Rwandan import Meddie Kagere and George "Blackberry" Odhiambo each scored to extend coach Dylan Kerr’s unbeaten start to 11 matches.

Gor Mahia's triumph was made sweeter after second-placed Sofapaka's shock 2-1 defeat to high-flying Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Sports Complex. The win took Gor 12 points ahead of their closest challengers as the league run in enters its homestretch.

Also, Posta Rangers again dropped points, settling for a 1-1 draw with visiting Thika United at Ruaraka. Oscar Wamalwa’s first half header was what Ulinzi Stars needed to beat struggling Mathare United 1-0 in a late kick-off at Ruaraka.

In Mumias, the 2009 league champions, who are Gor Mahia's closest challengers, snatched the lead in the 17th minute through Ezekiel Okare.

Jeremiah Wanjala equalised for Homeboyz via the penalty 12 minutes later. The hosts then struck the winning goal via Wycliffe Opondo seven minutes after the restart.

Sofapaka were dominant for the better part of the opening half and could have opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute when Hillary Echesa's header was rescued by Homeboyz custodian David Juma.

"We started on a wrong footing in the first half but the boys recovered in the second half to deliver the victory," Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi said in his post-match briefing.

MUSALIA SAVES

Meanwhile, Martin Musalia rescued a point for Rangers with a last-ditch save from Thika's Eugene Mukangula in the final minute of the game.

First half strikes from Jerry Santo and Suleiman Ngotho settled the encounter.

A 15th draw for Posta and eleventh for Thika leaves the sides on 39 and 23 points respectively, sixth and 16th on the standings.

Thika United head coach Nicholas Muyoti rued missed chances created in the second half but remains hopeful of surviving relegation.

“We didn’t start well but my boys pulled up their socks in the second half. I have faith in my boys in the remaining matches. I am hopeful that we will do well to get points that will help us retain our league status,” said Muyoti.

COLLATED RESULTS

Gor Mahia 2-0 Tusker

Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 Sofapaka

Posta Rangers 1-1 Thika United

Ulinzi Stars 1-0 Mathare United

Report by Titus Maero, Vincent Opiyo and David Kwalimwa