NAIROBI, Kenya, October 27- Gor Mahia’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title procession continued as the battle to avoid the drop intensified on Sunday across various venues.
Edwin Lavatsa led a largely second string side to record a 1-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz who remain mired in the drop zone with the winning goal on 39 minutes stoking controversy.
The winger pounced on an Anthony Okumu pass to slot in past Homeboyz keeper Collins Oduor to send the Green Army converged at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani to continue with the Giniwesakao (this thing is ours) title parade.
However, the strike was contested with the Harambee Stars forward seemingly in an offiside position as Homeboyz remained a point adrift of Sony Sugar in 14th who now have two games at hand in the race to avoid the axe.
“We are seeking avenues to appeal against the result because everyone saw it on television that their winning goal was scored from an offside position,” Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, told Capital Sport.
Moses Mudavadi and veteran Dennis Mukaisi missed glaring second half opportunities to level the match in the 47th and 60th minutes leaving the KPL debutants staring at a swift return to the first division.
In Awasi, hosts Chemelil Sugar and 2008 champions Mathare United who are also battling to avoid the drop after a catastrophic season traded goals in both halves for a 1-1 stalemate at the end.
Gearson Likono fired in a sizzling free-kick at a rain-soaked Chemelil Stadium for the opener before Edwin Ombasa rescued a point for the slum boys when impressive youngster, on as a sub, crossed an inch perfect delivery to leave the forward with the simple task of netting the leveller in the 68th minute.
“To me it’s a plus. According to the team I have, I don’t care if I should have drawn all the matches after losing 22 players and maintaining the league status.
“It was tough from the word go bearing in mind we are not in a good position and we have two home games left against Karuturi and Sofapaka and we are going for the maximum six points,” Mathare head coach, Stanley Okumbi said after the match as his remained 13th with 29 points.
His opposite number, Mike Mururi, who is aiming for a top eight finish was left to rue his team’s inability to see off the match having established a commanding position in the first half.
“We have to double our work rate to get the maximum points from the remaining three matches. It was difficult playing a team fighting elimination from the league and when they went behind, they realised they had to come out at us.
“They played well in the second half and got the equalising goal and that was good for them,” the former captain and player-coach at the club said.
After coming at the end of harsh officiating last weekend in Bukhungu, Thika United coach, John Kamau, saw his side return to winning ways when they saw off Nairobi City Stars 2-0 at Thika Municipal Stadium.
Sammy Meja (23) and Ezekiel Odera just before half time fired Thika back to the top eight as City Stars slipped down to 11th to stem a run of two successive defeats.
Outgoing titleholders, Tusker FC continued their slump with a barren draw against Karuturi Sport who are all but doomed.
On Saturday, Bandari rallied to hold visiting Western Stima 1-1 at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
