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The brewers moved to within two points of K’Ogalo following the record champions’ surprise draw with relegation-threatened Wazito FC
Tusker FC were the biggest winners of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League last weekend after closest challengers Gor Mahia and Nzoia Sugar dropped points in what is a tight title race.
Gor were held to an unlikely goalless draw by second from bottom Wazito FC while Nzoia lost 1-0 to AFC Leopards and, that coupled with Tusker’s 1-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz, leaves Robert Matano’s men (61 points) just two points behind K’Ogalo while four ahead of third place.
'Mashemeji' derby, Sharks test next
It, therefore, changes the permutations for the title race with five games remaining with the next round of fixtures appearing kind to the brewers, at least on paper. While Gor face bitter rivals AFC Leopards in the ‘Mashemeji’ derby this weekend, Tusker have Kariobangi Sharks whose inconsistencies should give them confidence.
Gor have had a recent good run against Leopards but their goalless draw in the corresponding fixture, added to the fact that Ingwe finally ended their seven-game winless run against Nzoia makes it a tough outing for Johnathan McKinstry’s men.
The rivalry between the two teams will heighten the tensions further given Leopards fans will be in the stadium, having seen their ban lifted by the federation. That means Gor could easily drop points which would see Matano’s men back to the top if they beat Sharks.
Tusker vs Gor title decider
Assuming both win, then their fixture on May 28 when Tusker host Gor could decide the destiny of the title. Victory for Gor will see them open up a five-point lead with three games to go while Tusker can go top, with one point more, if they secure a win.
Gor won 2-1 the last time the two teams met in February, meaning Tusker are keen to right those wrongs. A draw will see Gor maintain their two-point advantage, heading into the final three games of the season.
Tricky final three games
K’Ogalo will then have to beat Ulinzi Stars, Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars to reclaim the title they last won in 2020 while Tusker will be hoping for some favours from any of those three sides while they require maximum points against Wazito, Posta Rangers and Vihiga Bullets to make it three straight league crowns.
The run-in seem to favour Matano given Wazito and Vihiga could be relegated by the time they face his men, hence nothing to play for, while Ulinzi and Homeboyz are angling for a top five finish and could trouble Gor.
However, as Wazito proved against Gor, they are a tough nut to crack when playing at home and Tusker will need plenty to overcome them.
Can Nzoia crash the party?
For Nzoia Sugar, there is no margin for error as they are six points behind Gor and four adrift of Tusker, meaning they have to win their remaining five games and hope that the top two lose at least two games each, for them to crash the title party.
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