FKF title race goes to the wire
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title chase was further thrown wide open after Gor Mahia forced table toppers Tusker to a barren draw at the Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.
But Tusker strongly felt they were victims of injustice after their striker Shaphan Oyugi’s had the ball inside the net in the 69th minute only to be ruled off-side, a decision which left the team’s Coach Robert Matano infuriated.
“I don’t normally talk about officiating but I think that we were clearly robbed off victory today. Its very painful especially when the league is at such a crucial stage,” said Matano.
Despite the ‘setback’, the gong is seemingly Tusker’s to lose as they still have an advantage of a point over K’Ogalo.
Ahead of yesterday’s match, it was not lost to both teams its magnitude in the shaping of the title race this season.
Tusker were coming into the game on a high after edging Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 while Gor were reeling from a 2-1 loss to AFC Leopards in a Mashemeji Derby at the same venue.
DespiteTusker’s impressive form lately in the league, the team’s deputy coach Charles Okere has said they are not taking any chances.
“We are are fully committed to giving our all and the worst we can do is to be carried away by the latest success. We shall approach each game with all the ammunition at our disposal. The good thing is that we have a mixture of budding and experienced players capable of having the job done,” said Okere.
Gor Coach Jonathan Mckinstry has assured the K’Ogalo fans that they will come out fighting and are itching to give a good performance in the final bend.
He is however wary of the challenge Tusker presents.
“With two evenly matched teams, the title decider could just be by very small margins. One of Tusker’s signature moves is always having great mental toughness. They have an unrivaled winning mentality that cripples their opponents and have a penchant of winning matches very late in the game,” said Mckinstry.
“I don’t think there is a team in the league that has scored more late goals than Tusker and that speaks volumes about their mental toughness,” added the Gor tactician.
In the meantime, Mozzart Bet Cup finalists Kakamega Homeboyz had their egos bruised in a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of FC Talanta at Kasarani Annex
The loss left Abana Abeingo still in the ninth position of the standings with 45 points from 32 matches.
In a match played at the same venue, relegation-fighting Vihiga Bullets were left purring after bravely holding Bidco United to a three-all draw.
