Mighty Champ18ons! Gor Seal Third Successive SPL Title In Vihiga Draw

NAIROBI, Kenya- The SportPesa Premier League (SPL) title champagne that was on ice in recent weeks was uncorked at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Wednesday evening as Gor Mahia FC sealed their record-extending 18th domestic title despite being denied victory by Vihiga United FC in a 1-1 draw.

In the end, K'Ogalo did not need a result after second-placed Bandari FC handed them the crown on a plate when they could only draw 0-0 at Mathare United FC in the earlier game.

The celebratory mood might have crept into the players when the news filtered through as they allowed relegation-threatened Vihiga a way back to the contest deep into the second half after taking a 1-0 lead to the break handed to them by Charles Momanyi.

Amos Kigadi cancelled the goal out in the 56th minute but that was just a footnote in another momentous occasion for the Kenyan giants.

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What is in no doubt is the best team in the land by a mile deservedly mopped up a third successive SPL title to crown what has been a topsy-turvy season full of highs and lows as Turkish Cypriot-born head coach, Hassan Oktay led the most glamorous football team in the country to the league title on his maiden campaign at the club.

Gor will be presented with the SPL trophy at the same venue on Saturday in what is expected to be another huge party for the passionate Green Army who will have enjoyed a dream week that started with their 3-1 thumping of the arch enemy, AFC Leopards SC last Sunday in Nairobi before sealing glory.

Those who made the journey to Machakos for the midweek encounter did not have to wait for the weekend as song and dance broke out soon after the final whistle in this venue that is located some 70km east of the Kenyan capital, disrupting the evening calm in a precursor of what will unfold on Saturday.

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It was a fitting way to reward a group of players that have stood head and above shoulders above the rest on the domestic front with most of the team enjoying a trophy-laden three seasons that also included two SportPesa Cup regional knockout tournaments in Tanzania (2017) and Nakuru (2018), two games against English Premier League side Everton FC and above all their brave run to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederations Cup this season having missed out by a point last term.

Top scorer

Captain Harun Shakava, record signing and top scorer, Rwanda international Jacques Tuyisenge and Harambee Stars midfielder, Francis Kahata who have been lynchpins of the all-conquering team are some of the stars linked with an exit from the club.

Oktay made only one change from the team that started against Leopards with Momanyi replacing the injured Kenyan international, Joash Onyango. 

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Gor began the game as well as any soon to be champions should and enjoyed a lion’s share of possession in the opening minutes of the game.

Tuyisenge did well to win a corner in the ninth minute that Kahata took but skipper Shakava's attempted overhead kick did not really trouble Michael Matasio in the Vihiga goal.

Center back Momanyi, broke the deadlock in the 13th with a glancing header from a delightful Samuel Onyango free kick. 

Two minutes later, Vihiga came close to restoring parity with another set piece but Steve Wakanya's rifled effort went inches wide of Peter Odhiambo's goal. 

Back came K’Ogalo when Philemon Otieno sprung a swift counter attack in the 27th and exchanged a lovely one-two with Tuyisenge but the final ball did not get to the intended target Kahata. 

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A minute after, Mashemeji Derby hero Nicholas Kipkirui found Tuyisenge with a left footed aerial pass which the Rwandese forward brought down well but failed to get his shot on target. 

In the 33rd, Kenneth Muguna did well to leave Vihiga left back Chris Masinza in his wake but Matasio easily gathered his right-footed attempt. 

Vihiga were forced to make their first change in the 37th when Kevin Muhanji went down injured and was replaced by John Muyesu and despite creating a number of chances, the sides went in for half time with the champions 1-0 to the good. 

At the start of the second, Momanyi almost notched his brace with Onyango missing another presentable opportunity before Vihiga boss, Mike Mururi hooked off Dennis Wafula with Daudi Saisi coming on 10 minutes into the half.

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The switch had the desired effect for the side that is second from bottom when they got the leveller a minute later through Kigadi to earn them a point that took their tally to 26, two adrift of Zoo Kericho FC who will play their game in hand on Thursday against Tusker.