Kenyan Premier League headed to the final stretch as Gor Veterans defeat their AFC Leopards counterparts at Nyayo

By Fred Maingi
The Kenyan premier league is headed for a thrilling end that is certain to stretch to the wire after respective title contenders registered morale boosting wins in their   league matches straged on saturday October 20th. .
 Top of the table Tusker took their points tally to 54 with a hard fought 1-0 win over Muhoroni Youth with David Ochieng scoring the lone goal to ensure they held onto their lead with 54 points.
 AFC Leopards also cruised 2-1 over Ulinzi Stars while at the city stadium Gor Mahia were also on cloud nine with a late penalty victory over Karuturi Sports.
 At the Mumias Sports Complex Leopards completed a double over the soldiers after wining the first leg 2-0.Towering Rwandan international Jonas  Nahimana opened the score sheet with a third minute striker  before StephenWaruru leveled matters in the 80^th minute.Ingwe were made to work extra hard to grab the winner  in the 83^rd minute through Victor Ochieng.
 The victory ensured that Ingwe remained very much in the title contention with 51 points. The script was the same for Gor Mahia who earned a priceless three points over Karuturi Sports to keep the pressure on Tusker. Pint sized Dan Sserenkuam brought the roof down in the 72^nd minute when he converted a spot kick awarded by match referee Amos Ichingwa after Kevin Omondi had been brought down in the box.
 The visitors had frustrated the hosts for long spell with a physical approach .The real chance for K’ogalo came knocking in the 55^th minute when Moses Odhiambo’s close range volley crashed on the wood work after being set by a Rama Salim header
 Meanwhile Oserian’s relegation worries inched closer to reality after they succumbed to a 0-1 loss to Mathare United in an early kick off match at the same venue .Athman Buki made all the difference for the ‘slum’ boys with a solo effort after making a dazzling run from the right flank to blast past Oserian goalkeeper George Ochieng.
 The loss complicates the matrix for the Naivasha based side with just three matches left before the league ends.
 Though the Sammy Omollo coached side played with much conviction and purpose for the entire 90 minutes they could not break the duck.
 With Oserian  throwing all men forward  in  search for an elusive goal,Mathare launched a quick counter attack  which gave forward Joseph Mwango a golden chance to widen the  lead in the 68^th  minute but with the goal mouth at his mercy he skied the shot.
 Oserian remains at position 15 with 21 points, while Mathare’s point tally improved to 38.
 At Hope centre in Kawangaware, Francis Thairu’s striker was enough to help City Stars sink KCB while Chemelil sugar beat Sony sugar  1-0 with Jared Obwogi finding the target in the 20^th minute.

 Gor Mahia former Internationals led by legendary Peter Dawo overpowered their AFC Leopards counterparts 3-1 on post match penalties in a thrilling exhibition match staged at Nyayo National Stadium.The match ended in a  1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

    The entertaining match that brought together players who played in the early 1980’s and 1990’s served as a curtain raiser ahead of the Mashujaa Trophy clash pitting Kakamega Homeboys against Bandari.  Homeboys won 2-1.

      Both teams laboured to a 1-1 draw in the normal regulation time before heading to the dreaded spot kicks to determine the winner.

   Afc Leopards took the lead in the 70^th minute through second half substitute Frankline Obare after combining well with Tasso Keffa, Patrick Shim, and Morris Sunguti to beat Gor Keeper Victor Onyango.

    Gor however raised their game and despite William Odidi missing two clear chances, managed to level the score in the 89^th minute through Collins Ogutu whose weak shot slipped past Leopards custodian Omar Shaban legs.

 

     During the dreaded spot kicks, Gor Mahia  converted through Charles ‘Korea”Omondi,Francis Odour,Collins Ogutu and Tobias Ocholla.AFC Leopards replied back through Herman Wandera. However, Tasso Keffa, and Reginald Asibwa blasted their shots over the bar.

   Gor Mahia  coached by Allan Thigo fielded the likes of Paul Ochieng,Cesar Handa’s,Ben “ Breakdance’Oloo,Austin Odour, William Odidi,Zablon ‘Pro’Otieno, Maurice Ole Tunda,,Tobias Ocholla  and former AFC Leopards defender Francis Odour among others.

  Leopards had Omar Shaban in goal, Justus  Muhati,Tom Oloo,.Patrick Shilasi,Washington Khamadi,Justus Muhati,Tasso Keffa,Ben Musuku,Morris Sunguti,Abdul Barasa,Herman Wandera ,Tonny Lidonde and Frankline Obare among others.