Defending champions Gor Mahia missed the chance to go top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League table after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday as some of their fans turned violent.
Kakamega striker Moses Shumah went joint top with Ryan Ogam on the scorers’ chart with 15 goals after his second-half strike sealed a 1-0 win over Bandari at Mbaraki Sports Club.
At Awendo Green Stadium in Migori, debutant Mara Sugar battled to a 1-1 draw with KCB.
With leaders Kenya Police losing 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars on Friday and second-placed Tusker not in action, Gor had a golden opportunity to climb to the top of the standings with a win over Sofapaka.
Defender Joshua Onyango’s 67th minute goal sent K’Ogalo to the top of the standings with 49 points. However, their stay at the summit was short-lived as substitute Douglas Kibet struck in the 90th minute to snatch a point for the ‘Batoto ba Mungu.’
With the outcome, Police remained top with 49 points from 27 matches, one more than Tusker who face Nairobi City Stars today at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. Gor remained third with 47 points from 26 matches.
Gor’s coach Sinisa Mihic watched the match from the stands as he was serving a suspension after being sent off during their clash with KCB on April 7.
It was the first FKF-PL match this season that striker Benson Omala played for Gor after rejoining the club during the February transfer window period.
The 2023/24 FKF-PL top scorer was yet to feature for Gor since his former club Al Safa in Lebanon had not facilitated the issuing of his International Transfer Certificate.
In his first appearance for Gor this season, Omala found the back of the net in their 2-0 victory over Bandari in the Mozzart Bet Cup last weekend.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old striker was unlucky as his two goals in both halves of the match were canceled for offside.
After the final whistle, a section of angry Gor fans threw objects onto the pitch, protesting the referees’ decision to cancel the two goals. Police had to lobby teargas to disperse another section of fans who had camped outside Gor's dressing room protesting the match's outcome.
With Mihic having rued lack of a prolific striker in his side, the availability of Omala is a huge reprieve to the Croatian tactician as he looks to guide the team to an unprecedented 22 FKF-PL titles.
Shummah has been impressive for Homeboyz, finding the back of the net in 13 league matches. He has scored two braces. Ogam who is Tusker’s striker is recovering from a knee injury after undergoing meniscus tear surgery on April 1.
