Ten-man Gor Mahia left it late to beat Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League clash at Mumias Sports Complex. Following the win, the 22-time Kenyan champions stretched their lead at the top of the league standings to nine points.
Gor Mahia forward Ebenezer Asifuah’s delivery took a deflection for an own goal in the 92nd minute, sending thousands of Gor’s fans into a frenzy despite a heavy downpour.
There was drama moments later as Gor’s Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison was sent off in the 93rd minute, with Gor Mahia players contesting the decision in the ill-tempered contest.
In another match, Bidco United and Kariobangi Sharks shared the spoils in a tense relegation battle at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.
Kakamega Homeboyz will rue missed opportunities against Gor Mahia, particularly in a dominant first-half display.
Gor Mahia now sit top of the table with 64 points from 30 matches, with only four games remaining. Their closest challengers, AFC Leopards, have 55 points and a game in hand, meaning they could cut the gap to six points with a win over Mara Sugar.
K’Ogalo went into yesterday’s match buoyed by a 1-0 victory over AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby on April 26, but were far from their best as Homeboyz controlled the game for large spells. Past matches between the two sides have been tightly contested. In their last 11 meetings, six have ended in draws, Gor Mahia have won four, while Homeboyz have managed two victories.
Gor Mahia will face defending champions Kenya Police, Murang’a Seal, and Mara Sugar, before wrapping up their season with a match against Nairobi United.
AFC Leopards, meanwhile, will take on Mara Sugar, Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz, APS Bomet, and Bidco United in their remaining fixtures.
“We played well but couldn’t convert our chances. I feel we deserved at least a draw, but they scored in the last minute and won. I can’t blame my players because an own goal can happen to anyone,” said Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick ‘Luwowo’ Odhiambo.
Gor Mahia’s coach, Charles Akonnor, was delighted with the result, which moves them closer to reclaiming the title they lost to Kenya Police last season.
“It was a difficult game, but we kept pushing until the last minute. This win eases the pressure, but also motivates us because we still have tough matches ahead,” said Akonnor.
The draw between Bidco United and Kariobangi Sharks means the second team to join Sofapaka in relegation will be decided in the final four matches. Bidco United sit 17th with 24 points, while Kariobangi Sharks are 16th on 30 points.
Bidco face a tough run-in against Tusker, Shabana, Murang’a Seal, and AFC Leopards. Sharks, on the other hand, will meet Nairobi United, Kenya Police, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Sofapaka in their remaining fixtures.
