Gor Inch Closer To SPL Title After Homeboyz Victory
13th August 2018
Charging champions open 14-point lead with 3-1 win in Kisumu
- Gor dominated the first half and finally found the opener through Francis Mustapha
- They went into half-time with a 2-0 lead to set the stage for 19th victory of the 2018 SPL campaign
- Results could see K'Ogalo crowned champions at the August 25 Mashemeji Derby
- Club is pursuing a record-extending 17th domestic league crown
KISUMU, Kenya- SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC extended their lead at the top 14 points following a 3-1 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz FC on Monday at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
Their latest victory set social media alight since following the sequence of results in the coming fortnight, Gor could be crowned the 2018 SPL champions on August 25 when they face their eternal enemies, AFC Leopards SC, a prospect that sparked an online 'war' between rival supporters.
On one hand, Green Army faithful are 'requesting' their Ingwe counterparts to mount a 'guard of honour' with the latter resisting any thought of what they believe would be the ultimate humiliation.
Gor who are pursuing a record-extending 17th domestic title, dominated the first half and finally found the back of the net through a Francis Mustapha in the 31st minute.
Barely two minutes later, Innocent Wafula doubled K’Ogalo’s advantage to lay the platform for their 19th win of the SPL season to leave Paul Nkata's visitors reeling from going 2-0 down at half time.
Homeboyz looked rejuvenated after the restart and registered
a couple of shots on target but Shaban Odhoji in the Gor goal was equal to the
task.
League leaders
Their efforts finally bore fruit in the 72nd when they pulled one back through Benjamin Oketch to set up a grand stand finish as Homeboyz sensed the comeback.
However, substitute Kevin Omondi ended any hopes of another slip up when he put the icing on the cake in the 88th to seal maximum points for the crown holders who can now smell another title.
The win leaves Gor on 62 points, with head coach Dylan Kerr getting their run back on track with their second successive victory in Kisumu following their 2-1 win over Posta Rangers FC last Friday.
It was the perfect riposte for the runaway leaders who were rocked by their 2-2 stalemate against Nakumatt FC before succumbing to their first SPL loss this term in Mombasa where Bandari FC outclassed them 2-1 a week ago.
The Dockers (48) who also won over the weekend lead the challengers ahead of archrivals AFC Leopards SC (45) who leapfrogged Sofapaka FC (43) to third with Ulinzi Stars FC (38) further adrift in fifth.
Homeboyz on the other hand have only managed nine wins from the 26 matches and were left clinging on to 10th on 33 points, a place below resurgent Sony Sugar FC (33) on goal-difference.
Gor return to action on Thursday when they lock horns with Chemelil Sugar FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
They will have a two-day break before hosting Rayon Sports SC in the second leg of their CAF Confederations Cup Group D encounter on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.