)
The brewers received a huge boost following K’Ogalo’s Mashemeji derby loss to AFC Leopards and host Johnathan McKinstry’s men next in a game that will define the destiny of the league crown
The Football Kenya Federation Premier League title race has become even tighter following the conclusion of the 30th round of matches last weekend with the difference between top and third now just four points with as many games remaining.
Tusker FC and Nzoia Sugar were the biggest beneficiaries as they headed into the weekend two points and seven behind Gor Mahia and ended it one point above and four adrift of K’Ogalo respectively.
With Gor losing the Mashemeji derby to eternal rivals AFC Leopards following a 2-1 reverse on Sunday, Tusker, who beat Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 on Saturday, and Nzoia, 2-0 winners over Kakamega Homeboyz, have close in to make for an interesting title race.
Tusker now occupy top spot on 64 points, one ahead of Gor, while Nzoia are on 60. While it looked like the fight will be about Gor and Tusker, now the top two find themselves looking over their shoulders as Nzoia’s relentlessness means it will be a three-way battle in the final four matches.
Beat K’Ogalo next
Robert Matano’s men had taken top spot three weeks ago only to see them surrender the advantage to Gor following a loss to Nzoia and draw with Nairobi City Stars but with Gor dropping five points in their last two games, they are back on top, heading into what could be the title decider on May 28 when they host K’Ogalo.
Victory for Tusker in that encounter will see them open up a four-point lead with three games remaining which will see them needing two more wins in their remaining three games against relegation-fighting Wazito, Posta Rangers and relegated Vihiga Bullets to retain their title and make it three in a row.
Fine margins for Gor
For Gor, anything other than a win would be catastrophic as it would leave them playing catch up and counting on favours from the aforementioned three teams.
Gor, therefore, must win the match, which will leave them two points ahead, and they will need to win the following three ties against Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz and City Stars to reclaim the crown they last won in 2020.
The run-in seems to favour Tusker who have relegation materials Wazito and Vihiga while Gor have tough tasks that pit them against Homeboyz and Ulinzi who are angling for a top five finish.
Nzoia still have a chance
For Nzoia, they have to keep winning starting with Kariobangi Sharks, City Stars, KCB and Sofapaka while hoping the top two continue dropping points for them to profit.
Vihiga relegated, Wazito on the up
Meanwhile, at the foot of the table, Vihiga have kissed the top flight goodbye following yet another loss at the weekend, falling 1-0 to FC Talanta, in what was their eighth straight defeat which leaves them with just eight points from 30 matches.
With 12 points still available, the maximum they can get is 20 which will still leave them bottom, given 17th-placed Mathare United are on 22 points. Mathare also look close to surrendering their top flight status as their 1-0 loss to Kenya Police on Sunday was their ninth in a row and given Wazito’s recent revival, they look closer to going down than staying up.
Wazito, meanwhile, recorded another positive result, beating Posta Rangers 2-1 on Satutday, following on from their goalless draw with Gor. It was the third win in five matches for the Muhoroni-based side which leaves them in the relegation playoff position 16 on 23 points and with hopes of catching 15th-placed City Stars (30 points) who have drawn their last four games.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)