Understrength Gor sink Chemelil to close in on KPL title

Defending champions Gor Mahia moved within five points of retaining the SportPesa Premier League after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru County on Thursday.

After a barren first half K’Ogalo finally found the back of the net in the 78th minute when supersub Eliud Lokuwam stabbed the winner following a goalmouth melee.

Gor now just need five points from their remaining eight matches to retain the title.

Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr fielded a second string side, perhaps with eyes on their crucial Caf Confederation group D match against Rayon Sports of Rwanda at Kasarani on Sunday, and they managed to overcome an ultra-defensive Chemelil side just a few hours after their trip to play Everton in a friendly match at Goodison Park on either November 7 or 8 was confirmed.

But coach Kerr was not happy with the result.

“We didn’t create clear chances that are associated with the mighty Gor Mahia. We only had two clear chances from Guikan and Benard Ondiek,” said coach Kerr.

He blamed the "uneven and bouncing pitch" for the poor display.

His Chemelil counterpart Francis Baraza said they conceded an easy goal but promised to rectify the mistake in their next match against Ulinzi Stars at the same venue.

“Our next game against the soldiers is a must-win. We’re lying in a bad position in the league,” said Baraza.

Back to the proceedings on the pitch, Cercidy Okeyo cut through the Chemelil defence but his powerful shot inside the box was superbly gathered by Richard Aimo on 15 minutes as the champions sought an early lead.

Still dictating the early exchanges, Gor Mahia stepped up the pressure and took the game into their opponents' half but the steady Chemelil defence, marshalled by Philip Mwangale and Jacob Odhiambo, foiled all the attacks from Gor led by Ivorian striker Ephrem Guikan.

Gor custodian Shaban Odhoji had an essay time between the sticks and was hardly tested by Chemelil.

Chemelil's best chance came in the 31st minute when striker Felix Olouch made a brilliant run on the right wing but he took too much time before shooting, allowing Gor defender Joachim Oluoch to recover.

With star striker Jacques Tuyisenge out injured, and Rayon Sports looming, Kerr was further left frustrated towards the end of the opening half were after Guikan collided mid-air with Chemelil goalkeeper Aimo, before being rushed to hospital.

Kerr brought in Innocent Wafula for the Ivorian Guikan while Rapahel Sudi came in for Karim Nizigiyimana in the second half, just moments after goalscorer Lukowam had replaced Samuel Onyango.

On the opposite side, Baraza brought in William Oricho, Charles Okiya and Zeka Wakoli and rested Francis Ocholla, Benard Biko and Edwin Omondi.