Gor Mahia smell KPL trophy
Gor Mahia have one hand on the Kenyan Premier League trophy following a goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars in a top-of-the-table clash in Nakuru on Sunday.
The result pushed Gor’s point tally to 63 points while the second-placed Ulinzi now have 51 points. The maximum that Ulinzi Stars can now attain from their remaining four matches is 63 points, and for them to win the league, Gor would have to lose all their five matches.
The soldiers would also have to bridge the huge +41 goal difference that K’Ogalo enjoys as compared to their +15 goal difference.
The implication is that Gor Mahia now only need a draw in their next match against Sony Sugar to be officially crowned the league champions.
Michael Olunga, who had a subdued game, nearly gave Gor their opening goal in the 60th minute but his header missed the target. However, Gor’s best opportunity came in the 70th minute when Innocent Wafula’s well taken shot went over the cross bar.
Four minute later Khalid Aucho wasted yet another golden opportunity when his rasping shot went inches wide.
“Playing the champions with their army of fans behind them was tough. But am happy we picked a point in the match, Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano said.
JOB WELL DONE
Coach Frank Nuttall praised his charges for a job well done.
“We are a focused side and I am happy the boys did not disappoint today. We hope wrap up the campaign on Wednesday against Sony,” he said.
At the same time, Gor Mahia Youth were also crowned champions of the Nairobi Regional League after dispatching Naivas FC 5-1 in an entertaining play-offs at the Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho, Nairobi.
The K’Ogalo junior side topped Zone D of the Provincial League while Naivas had topped Zone B. Kakakuona topped Zone A while Uweza topped Zone C.
In the play offs that begun on Saturday, Gor Youth dispatched Kakuona 4-0 while Naivas beat Uweza 2-1 to set up a thrilling final.
Gor’s striker Derrick Onyango – a form four candidate at Highway Secondary School – bagged a hat-trick to help his side rally from a goal down to claim the trophy while Clifford Nyakeya and Joseph Waruinge added the other goals.
Naivas begun strongly rattling Gor with an early goal when Constant Ouma pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area and struck with a sublime finish that beat Vincent Odhiambo in goal for Gor Mahia.