Gor Mahia breathing down leaders Tusker’s neck
Tusker's Humphrey Mieno (right) vies for the ball with Gor Mahia's Karim Nzigiyimana during their SportPesa Kenyan Premier League Top-8 knock-out match on June 12, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. Only three points separate league leaders Tusker with second-placed Gor Mahia after weekend matches. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- K’Ogalo needed a last-gasp goal from midfielder Collins “Gattuso” Okoth to break the resistance of Nairobi City Stars at Nyayo National Stadium.
- Gor picked their first victory in three matches, sparking wild celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium terraces after a frustrating long wait.
- Tusker were at their erratic best again on Sunday when they had to rally from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against bottom placed Sofapaka.
- Two late goals by Nigerian import Onwudi Chibueze and Eugene Mukangula earned Thika a deserved 2-0 win over Mathare United.
On a weekend of dramatic action, SportPesa Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia summoned all their skills to narrow the gap between them and leaders Tusker to just three points as the fight for the league title shapes out to be a fierce competition.
K’Ogalo needed a last-gasp goal from midfielder Collins “Gattuso” Okoth to break the resistance of Nairobi City Stars at Nyayo National Stadium. This settled what had been a nervous clash for Gor faithful.
And Okoth, who was making a return after a spell on the sidelines, poked home a loose ball in the box after stocky substitute Enock Agwanda made a long throw in the box.
Gor picked their first victory in three matches, sparking wild celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium terraces after a frustrating long wait. The win hauled K’Ogalo’s points tally to 34, coming close to leaders Tusker who are on 37.
The brewers have been staggering in the recent past. Last weekend they gave up what appeared to be a last minute winner when returnee Allan Wanga rose from the bench to head in low in stoppage time only for Chemlil Sugar to equalise 45 seconds later for a 2-2 draw.
SLUGGISH DEFENDING
The brewers were at their erratic best again on Sunday when they had to rally from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against bottom placed Sofapaka.
In Nakuru, five goals were scored between Ulinzi Stars and Ushuru. In the league, so far, the goals have been few and far in between but that was not the case at Afraha Stadium where they came in thick and fast. Ulinzi gunned down Ushuru 3-2.
The unpredictable nature of the league came to the fore when struggling Thika United floored Mathare United, who have been tipped to challenge for the gong.
Two late goals by Nigerian import Onwudi Chibueze and Eugene Mukangula earned Thika a deserved 2-0 win.
Thika coach James Nandwa believes that the victory is a turning point in his side’s quest for a respectable finish.
“We have a good team. We defended well and attacked with purpose. We now need to build on it going forward,” he said.
For Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi, his concern will be on sluggish defending and lack of consistency.
“When you make some silly mistakes you are bound to be punished and that is what happened to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhoroni Youth, despite falling 1-2 to Bandari in Mombasa wrap up the top five bracket behind Tusker (37), Gor (34), Ulinzi and Mathare, both on 31 points.
