Gor Mahia’s title hopes take a hit in Mashemeji Derby draw with AFC Leopards

Gor Mahia’s quest to retain the FKF Premier League title took a major hit after a 1-1 draw with bitter rivals AFC Leopards in a heated Mashemeji Derby at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday.

The record league champions were desperate for maximum points to stay alive in the title race. Austin Odhiambo gave them hope with a well-taken goal in the 31st minute.

But Leopards clawed back into the game after the break, and Brian Wanyama pounced on a defensive error just five minutes into the second half to level matters, much to the frustration of the Gor fans.

Gor intensified their push for a winner, and tension peaked in the 84th minute when they appealed for a penalty following a tangle in the box.

However, the referee waved play on, sparking visible frustration from the home side and their supporters.

K’Ogalo interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zizo’ Otieno blamed his defense for lacking concentration leading to Leopards’ equalizer.

“Lack of concentration in defense cost us. Our previous game we conceded from a throw in, today again a very easy set piece, it’s a concern. But I think it’s something we can work on going forward,” said Zico.

“I’m very disappointed because this is a match we had planned on how to win. We were leading until that lapse in defense,” he added.

The draw leaves Gor second with 55 points, six behind Police FC with only two matches to go.

Police now need just a single point from their remaining fixtures against Shabana and Gor to seal their first-ever league title.

Coach Zico has now thrown in the towel, admitting the title is likely headed to Kenya Police FC.

“I don’t think there is any other chance for us apart from the knockout games, because the gap is widening between us and Police. Now we can’t talk about the league anymore. We can now go back and concentrate on the FKF Cup,” he noted.

Gor’s title hopes now hang by a thread, needing a miracle slip-up from both Kenya Police and second-placed Tusker FC. For the Green Army, it’s a crushing setback in what has been a fiercely contested title race.