Gor Mahia’s victory deepens Sofapaka’s relegation woes, offers Shabana a lifeline
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia further threatened Sofapaka’s survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 win at Machakos Stadium on Sunday.
Batoto ba Mungu entered the match needing a victory to keep pace with fellow relegation candidates Shabana, who had defeated AFC Leopards 4-3 on Saturday, leapfrogging them in the 18-team table.
The first half saw both teams struggle to find the back of the net, but Sofapaka’s fortunes took a dramatic turn when midfielder Evan Maliachi received a red card in the 45th minute, giving K’Ogalo a crucial numerical advantage for the second half.
Gor Mahia capitalized on this opportunity quickly. In the 50th minute, Sylvester Owino scored the decisive goal following a swift counter-attack, much to the dismay of the Sofapaka supporters who had hoped for a different outcome.
Despite a determined effort from Sofapaka to salvage something from the game, Gor Mahia’s defense remained resolute, securing their 20th victory of the season.
This result leaves Sofapaka in a precarious 16th position with 32 points, level with Shabana who sit in 15th place thanks to a superior goal difference.
Muhoroni Youth, reeling from a surprising 1-0 home defeat to FC Talanta, remain in 17th place with 28 points.
Already relegated Nzoia Sugar, despite a 3-1 away victory over Ulinzi Stars, are at the bottom with 22 points.
Sofapaka’s remaining fixtures are crucial. They face Nairobi City Stars tomorrow (Wednesday) and end their season against Nzoia Sugar on Sunday.
Shabana, meanwhile, will host Bidco United at Homabay Stadium on Wednesday before concluding their campaign against Murang’a Seal on Sunday.
In other FKF Premier League action, Kenya Police fought to a 2-2 draw with Murang’a Seal, maintaining their third-place standing with 55 points.
The match saw an early lead for Police through Tito Okello’s goal in the first minute, only for David Ochieng to equalize for Murang’a before halftime.
Dennis Munyovi then gave Murang’a the lead in the 51st minute, but Tyson Otiento secured a point for Police with a brilliant solo effort in the 67th minute.
Police ended the match with ten men following Yusuf Mainge’s red card in the final eight minutes.
Murang’a Seal are currently 12th with 38 points from nine wins, 11 draws, and 12 defeats.
As the FKF Premier League season approaches its climax, the battle for survival intensifies, with Sofapaka and Shabana poised for a tense finish.
