Gor Mahia sealed their 22nd Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title on Sunday, despite not being in action. K’Ogalo secured the title thanks to APS Bomet who did them a massive favour by beating their closest rival AFC Leopards 2-1 at the Kericho Green Stadium.
The result meant that Leopards, who have played a game more than their traditional rivals, cannot match the 68 point tally amassed by Gor. Heading to the contest, Leopards’ faithful had hoped to floor the league debutants and keep their slim title hopes alive. However, a brace by Philip Wasai spoiled their bid as it proved enough to settle what has been otherwise an entertaining race for the title between Gor and Ingwe.
A Cliff Otieno own goal in the dying moments of the game served as a consolation moment for Leopards. Gor were not in action, on Sunday, as the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) halted their date with Mara Sugar following a dispute on where the contest would be staged.
With SDT slamming brakes on the fixture, Gor build their hope for early glory on APS Bomet who did not disappoint as the slim win confirmed them as new league champions with three rounds to spare. While the win meant everything for Gor, it carried significant importance for Bomet as it tagged along with Ksh 1.8 million promised by club patron, Kipchumba Murkomen.
Sunday’s result sees Gor Mahia reclaim the title they lost last season to Kenya Police FC. Further, the club will return to the CAF Champions League football after a season in the cold. On the other hand, the result extends Leopards’ long wait for the league title they last won in 1998, when a good number of their players were not yet born.
Meanwhile, relegated Sofapaka held Shabana to a 1-1 draw at the Nyayo National Stadium. Sofapaka took the lead in the 36th minute through Francis Ghartey from a counterattack move.
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Shabana replied in the 78th minute through midfielder Kevin Omundi to force a share of the points. Sofapaka were relegated three weeks ago, with Bidco United suffering a similar fate last weekend following a 1-0 loss to Shabana. The Thika-based club lost 2-0 to Murang’a Seal in a match played on Sunday at St. Sebastian Park. Joe Waithira was the hero of the match as his brace was enough to hand his side maximum points.
At Mbaraki Stadium, Bandari beat Tusker 1-0 courtesy of Erick Balecho’s strike, while Police played Nairobi United to a barren draw at Police Sacco Grounds.