Rangers stay top as KPL chasing pack pass the chance

Domestic giants AFC Leopards were always going to be a tough opposition for Posta Rangers and it was unsurprising that their surprise Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title charge was slowed at their hands.

The 1-1 stalemate on Saturday ensured Ingwe became only the second side to breach the league leaders’ defence after Kakamega Homeboyz – a tie that ended in a similar scoreline five gameweeks ago.

The Rangers, however, clung on to the KPL summit as the chasing pack faltered behind them with record titleholders Gor Mahia letting slip the chance to go top following a shock 1-0 defeat at Mathare United.

Their other closest assailant, Sofapaka FC, were held to a one-all draw by Bandari FC to leave them three points adrift on 15 points. Gor are two points behind on 16.

Sofapaka’s Ugandan Coach Sam Ssimbwa said poor officiating cost them the chance to draw level, accusing the referee for being against them ‘in every decision he made’.

“My players stuck to instructions until when the referee denied us a clear penalty before Okwemba (Charles) scored the equalizer. Their player had just deliberately stopped the ball with his hand; like he was a goalkeeper. I’m very disappointed,” Ssimbwa charged.

The Batoto ba Mungu have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Ssimbwa and are continually cutting the image of title contenders. It is a stark contrast of the side that magically escaped relegation from the KPL on the final day of last season.

“We are not in the business of the trophy yet but if it comes, the better. However, unlike last season, we are competing and not just participating. After eight matches we are just three points away from the table-toppers which tells you we are doing well,” the former Kampala City Council Authority tactician said.

His opposite number Paul Nkata found no fault in the refereeing, saying the result was a fair reflection of the match.

“It was a balanced affair so a draw is not bad. We however lost concentration immediately we scored and we conceded in the midst of anxiety.

“My players have been fatigued by the many matches we are playing within a short duration involving long journeys but we have to cope,” Nkata who famously led Tusker to the ‘double double’ last season offered.

-Gor’s unlikely tumble-

In Mathare, Gor tumbled against an unlikely opponent that was on an uninspiring run of four winless matches that included a 5-1 demolition by Ulinzi Stars.

The Jose Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira coached side however lost rhythm in what Mathare’s assistant coach Salim Ali termed as ‘a game won on tactical edge’.

“It was not really about defending. It’s about playing tactics. We brought Martin Ongori to deal with Walusimbi (Godfrey) on the left and Tyson Odhiambo to help David Mwangi in defending against Innocent Wafula.

“We knew if we locked them out from the flanks we could get something from the match,” Ali told the club’s official website.

The win came even without suspended head coach Francis Kimanzi on the touchline, lifting the Slum Boys to 12th on the log.

-Zoo breakthrough-

Notably, Zoo Kericho FC broke the jinx of seven matches without a win in the topflight handing Ulinzi their second loss of the campaign.

It was a huge win for Zoo considering they did so on away ground with Head coach Sammy Okoth saying his charges are learning from their mistakes and will soon find their groove in the KPL.

“The game was good but we did not get the points we wanted. However, with time things will get better.

“Today we almost got the three points but things didn’t happen right. The next match we are playing Ulinzi and I believe we are growing and getting better each and every day. I hope on that day, things will be much better than today,” Okoth remarked after their previous match against Muhoroni, which ended 1-1.

Four other 1-1 draws were recorded in the KPL; in Chemelil Sugar versus Kariobangi Sharks, Nzoia Sugar against Sony Sugar, Posta versus AFC Leopards and Thika United clashing with Western Stima.

Tusker finally found space in the top 10 with a 1-0 victory over Muhoroni, the hosts retrogressing to 14th after the loss.

A total of 15 KPL goals were scored, with only the Ulinzi- Zoo match producing over two goals.