Gor outshine Homeboyz to accelerate title chase

Champions Gor Mahia opened a five-point gap at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), after overcoming hosts Kakamega Homeboyz 3-2 in the only topflight match played on Wednesday.

Ivorian Ephrem Guikan grabbed a brace in the 42nd and 55th, before Charles Momanyi sealed the win in the 80th. Former Tusker FC striker Allan Wanga and Ahmed Ali scored for the hosts, but the last 10 minutes pressure was unbearable in their chase to at least share spoils.

The Dylan Kerr coached 16-time champions maintained their unbeaten record in the current campaign, despite fielding an entirely different team from the one that started in their 1-1 stalemate against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports on Sunday.

Kerr had just a day to prepare for the match after arriving from Kigali, hence the changes in the team. He opted for Shaban Odhoji between the posts, covered by Innocent Wafula, Wesley Onguso, Joachim Oluoch and Momanyi in the defense, as Cercidy Okeyo and Lawrence Juma marshaled the midfield.

Samuel Onyango and Boniface Muchiri were deployed on the flanks, with Kelvin Omondi and Guikan partnering in the attack.

Gor went down in opening half just under 30 minutes before Guikan equalized just before the half break whistle. Guikan would later put Gor Mahia ahead on the 55th minute before an equalizer on the 69th minute from Wanga gave the hosts some hopes.

With today’s win, the lead at the top has been extended to 30 points from 12 matches played so far, two less than second placed Ulinzi Stars at 25.