Thika United down Tusker as Sony Sugar hold Gor Mahia

Top guns Tusker, Gor Mahia and Mathare United all squandered their chances of taking control of the Kenyan Premier League title race after failing to win their respective mid-week matches on Wednesday.

Champions Gor were limited to barren draw by a resolute Sony Sugar side at the Awendo Green Stadium while at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, it was an afternoon to forget for leaders Tusker, who went down 2-0 to James Nandwa’s Thika United.

Western Stima crashed a hapless Ushuru 4-0 in a lop-sided duel in an early kick-off in Machakos. At the Mumias Complex, Kakamega Homeboyz rallied from behind to down visiting Mathare United 2-1.

Thika got off the blocks on a lively note with Nigerian striker Onwadi Chibueze scoring the opener in the seventh minute - his second goal of the campaign - before Eugene Mukangula confirmed the win with another goal in the 38th minute.

The defeat leaves Tusker on 37 points, two more than second-placed Gor Mahia and hands the brewers coach Paul Nkata massive pressure as the race for the title enters a crucial stage.

SHIMONYO STARS

Earlier on at the same venue, troubled Ushuru were clobbered by Stima in ruthless fashion. Fredrick Shimonyo led the rout bagging a brace in the 58th and in stoppage time, while Wesley Onguso and Kenneth Muguna were also on target.

At the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi City Stars’ chances of evading relegation suffered a major setback after losing 1-0 to Chemelil Sugar with Laban Gambareko notching a first half winner.

It was the second time City Stars were felled by the sugar millers in under a week after losing 3-2 at the weekend in a Gotv Shield round of 32 match.

“We had a bad day in office. Things did not work for us today and it does not look good because time is running out and there are few matches left,” City’s assistant coach Dennis Okoth lamented after the defeat.

Ezekiel Odera fluffed what was City Stars’ only chance of getting a goal in the first minute.

ULINZI, MUHO DRAW

In Muhoroni, Ulinzi Stars were forced to a one-all draw by Muhoroni Youth while Bandari edged out Sofapaka 1-0 at the Mbaraki Sports Club with Michael Apudo notching in the lone goal.

Ulinzi’s marksman John Mark Makwatta put his side ahead in the third minute but Congolese forward Lwamba Bebeto rescued the hosts with an equalizer five minutes after the break.

Elsewhere, Mathare United playing without creative midfielder Eric Johanna who is away for trials, were also shocked 2-1 by Kakamega Homeboyz.

The "Slum Boys" rattled the hosts with a 42nd minute lead courtesy of Whyvonne Isuza but simultaneous strikes from Andrew Kulecho and Sammy Mutuku handed the hosts victory.

RESULTS

Sony Sugar 0-0 Gor Mahia

Bandari 1-0 Sofapaka

KK Homeboyz 2-1 Mathare United

Ushuru 0-4 Western Stima

City Stars 0-1 Chemelil Sugar

Tusker 0-2 Thika United

Muhoroni Youth 1-1 Ulinzi Stars