Gor Mahia two wins away from title but will there be more twists in the title race?

© Gor Mahia (Facebook)

FKFPL Gor Mahia two wins away from title but will there be more twists in the title race?

Joel Omotto 15:58 - 05.06.2023

K’Ogalo were handed a huge advantage following Tusker’s loss to Wazito and Robert Matano’s men are left hoping for favours from Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars

The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title pendulum swung in Gor Mahia’s favour over the weekend as they saw Tusker FC surrender their one-point lead following a stunning 2-1 defeat away to Wazito FC.

With Gor winning 2-0 against Ulinzi Stars, Tusker find themselves playing catch up as K’Ogalo occupy the top spot on 67 points, two ahead of the Brewers.

It means Gor now need to win their final two league games against Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars to clinch a record-extending 20th title and a first since 2020.

For Tusker, it is out of their hands, and they will be hoping for some favours from Homeboyz and City Stars, while beating Posta Rangers and the relegated Vihiga Bullets, to make it three in a row.

The top spot has changed hands three times in the last two months. Gor came into April holding a four-point lead but let it slip as Tusker pipped them, having won their game in hand. 

Robert Matano’s men then surrendered the initiative in early May only to be handed the advantage when K’Ogalo drew away to Wazito before losing to AFC Leopards.

With Matano’s men enjoying a one-point lead ahead of last weekend’s match, the margins were tight, and they had to win away to Wazito to maintain their advantage.

However, as it has become the norm this season, Muhoroni proved a tough hunting ground as Collins Neto’s two goals silenced Matano to swing the title race in favour of Gor Mahia.

It is now down to Homeboyz to stop Gor if Tusker have to close in and they will be counting on the two teams’ last five meetings which have seen the Kakamega-based side win two while drawing one with Johnathan McKinstry’s men winning twice.

Gor edged the league encounter 1-0 in Kakamega in January but Homeboyz exerted revenge in April when they eliminated K’Ogalo from the FKF Cup following a similar victory.

The 19-time champions will also be encouraged by Homeboyz’s recent run which has seen them lose three of their last five matches.

For Tusker, a meeting against unpredictable Posta Rangers awaits before completing the season with relegated Vihiga Bullets, who showed that there is still life in them by beating AFC Leopards 2-1 on Sunday.

With the fine margins, there is little room for complacency for the leading duo given Nzoia Sugar, third on the table on 63 points, will be waiting to profit from any slip-ups.

Meanwhile at the foot of the table, Mathare United’s stay in the top flight could be coming to an end after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Homeboyz left them second from bottom on 22 points, four behind Wazito, who need one more win to secure a promotion playoff spot.

Mathare have Ulinzi next before a clash with Wazito on the final day but having lost their last 11 games, it is difficult to see a route back for the Slum Boys.