The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
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Gor Mahia's Geoffrey Ochieng appeals to the referee in their FKF Premier League match against Tusker at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. [Jonah Onyango Standard]
The FKF Premier League title race has taken an unexpected twist after leaders Tusker and Kenya Police stumbled once again over the weekend, allowing defending champions Gor Mahia and fourth-placed KCB to close the gap.
The highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Tusker and Kenya Police ended in a goalless draw, leaving both teams level on 38 points.
Tusker and Kenya Police have now failed to win in their last two matches, throwing the league into an intriguing contest as the end of the season approaches.
Before their lackluster 0-0 draw on Saturday, Police had already dropped points in a 1-1 draw against struggling Sofapaka, while Tusker had also been held to a goalless stalemate by KCB.
While both teams remain at the summit with 38 points from 20 matches, their failure to capitalise on their chances has put their lead under serious threat.
Defending champions Gor Mahia are now breathing down their necks, sitting in third place with 34 points and a game in hand.
Should Gor Mahia win their outstanding fixture, they will move to 37 points, just one behind the joint leaders.
Sinisa Mihic’s arrival as head coach has revitalised Gor Mahia, who secured a crucial 2-1 win over Mathare United in round 20. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also ensured they remained in contention for back-to-back league titles.
The Croatian tactician has instilled a disciplined and attacking brand of football, which has seen K'Ogalo come from behind to pick up vital points, a feat that had been difficult in recent weeks.
Mihic will be well aware that winning their game in hand could bring them within touching distance of the top two, adding more pressure on Tusker and Kenya Police, who are already struggling with consistency.
KCB also took full advantage of the leaders' slip-ups, securing a 2-0 win over Murang’a SEAL to move to 32 points.
Crucially, KCB also have a game in hand, meaning victory would take them to 35 points, just three adrift of the joint leaders.
Bandari, on the other hand, edged Sofapaka 1-0 to also reach 32 points, though their inconsistency means they might struggle to sustain a title challenge.
At the bottom of the standings, Talanta FC, Nairobi City Stars, and Bidco United remain in deep trouble, all tied at 18 points after 20 matches. Bidco’s 1-1 draw with Nairobi City Stars did little to help either side’s survival chances
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
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