Football Kenya Federation (FKF) champions Gor Mahia moved 10 points clear at the summit following their hard-fought 1-0 victory against a stubborn Kariobangi Sharks side at Machakos Stadium on Saturday.
K’Ogalo went into the game seeking to protect their unbeaten start to the campaign and it was Sharks who looked lively from the opening exchanges but could not find the back of the net. Gor Mahia were forced to wait until the 90th minute when Chris Ochieng scored what could be the contender of the season.
With the line-man lifting the board to indicate six minutes of added time, and the matchday 18 fixture still tied at 0-0, Ochieng, who joined K’Ogalo from Bidco United last August, received the ball in the middle of play, weaved past two Sharks players before unleashing a right-footed effort which hit the upright of the post before going into the net.
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The win saw K’Ogalo reach 40 points, 10 more than second and third-placed Bandari and Nairobi City Stars, who have 30 points. Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry praised his charges for grinding out the victory against a very tough opponent.
Meanwhile, the defeat saw Sharks drop to 13th on the log with 18 points. They have managed four wins, six draws, and suffered eight defeats At Bukhungu Stadium, Bandari battled to a 0-0 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz to jump second behind Gor Mahia. The Dockers should thank their goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka for the vital point after he saved a second-half penalty from Ambrose Sifuna.
While Bandari are on 30 points, Homeboyz dropped a place down to position six on 18 points. Abana Beingo, who had been touted as among the title favourites, are now winless in four matches, their last victory coming on December 10 when they floored Shabana 2-0.