Sofapaka win to rise to league summit

John Baraza scored twice as Sofapaka moved to the top of the Kenyan Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over hosts Muhoroni Youth on Saturday.

Gor Mahia also continued their resurgence with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Kenya Commercial Bank at the City Stadium, while City Stars made it two wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over Western Stima at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium.

Baraza’s goal ensured Tusker’s lead at the top of the KPL lasted less than 24 hours. Tusker had on Friday night beat Chemelil Sugar at Nyayo Stadium.

Sofapaka take over KPL leadership

Tusker’s win saw them collect 28 points to dislodge AFC Leopards, who had 27 points, form the top but Sofapaka’s win yesterday put them at the summit with 29 points.

Baraza twice combined with fullback Abdalla Juma to score the two goals, the first coming at the quarter hour mark when Abdalla sent in a cross from the left.

Then Baraza, a two-time golden boot award winner (2009 and 2010), put Sofapaka two up in the 58th minute after heading in a corner from Juma.

In Nairobi, Rama Salim’s double and George Midenyo’s free kick ensured Gor Mahia moved to seventh with their third win in a row.

Midenyo shook the net in the 16th minute, cooly slotting home a 25-yard free-kick to beat Caleb Adola at the KCB goal.

Then Rama took over the show, striking in the 51st minute after being set up by Baldwin Ngwa.

But KCB were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Musa Mohammed upended a KCB player in the box. Paul Kiogora slotted in the resultant spot kick.

But Rama was not yet done. Four minutes later, he connected at the edge of the box with a backheel from Edwin Lavatsa for his second goal.

His ecstatic celebration saw the match referee book him. But Gor fans were put through moments of anxiety when their former player, Ezekiel Odera, beat Jerim Onyango with a low drive.

The win put Gor on 19 points, 10 behind leaders Sofapaka. Coach Zdravko Logarusic was elated with the win but pointed out a few defensive errors.

Gor coach happy

“Three points are important. I am happy with the win but disappointed with the defensive blunders which let our opponents make a comeback,’ he said.

In Kakamega, Levi Muaka’s 25-yard free-kick at the stroke of half-time saw City Stars beat Western Stima 1-0 to follow up on their 3-0 victory over AFC Leopards last weekend.

The game between AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar was postponed due to a court case over AFC Leopards leadership.

Factions have emerged within Leopards’ ranks, which are threatening to derail the club’s title ambitions.