Football

Gor Mahia clinch record 21st league title as Nzoia Sugar if officially relegated

Gor Mahia edged Muhoroni Youth 3-0 in Muranga on Sunday to bag their 21st league title

By Michael Kirwa | Sunday, May 19, 2024

K'Ogalo's 3-0 win over Muhoroni Youth handed the club its 21st league title

A day of contrasts in the 2023–24 FKF Premier League saw Gor Mahia clinch a record 21st league title with a 3-0 victory over Muhoroni Youth at the Sebastian Park in Murang'a as Nzoia Sugar suffered relegation after eight seasons in the top flight following a 0-0 draw with Nairobi City Stats at the Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.

Gor Mahia's coronation Sunday came at the best possible time for their outgoing coach, Johnathan McKinstry, who leaves the country tonight to take over as the new coach of the Gambian national football team. The emphatic 3-0 victory over the beleaguered Muhoroni Youth proved to be a fond farewell for the Northern Irishman coach, who leaves the club having guided them to two league titles and a FKF Charity Shield triumph.

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Benson Omala, the top scorer, sent Gor Mahia fans into a carnival mood after giving K'Ogalo the lead in the 45th minute with his 16th goal of the season.

Gor Mahia took a 1-0 lead into halftime and did not waste time extending their lead after the break, with Boniface Omondi putting them 2-0 up in the 48th minute.

The league leaders upped the ante in the 65th minute, with Austin Odhiambo scoring to change the score to 3-0 in Gor Mahia's favour. After that, there was no turning back for Gor Mahia, and they strolled to yet another glorious moment in the club's decorated history.

While Gor Mahia players celebrated, their crestfallen counterparts left the pitch, knowing their quest to survive relegation had been further complicated. Muhoroni Youth, who are 17th with 28 points, now have to win their remaining three matches and hope that their fellow relegation-survival battle strugglers, the trio of Shabana (16th with 29 points), Talanta (15th with 31 points), and Sofapaka (14th with 32 points), falter in their games.

Gor Mahia reveled in the glory of Coronation Sunday in Murang'a, while Nzoia Sugar wallowed in the misery of Damnation Sunday, their relegation from the FKF Premier League after an eight-year stay following a 0-0 draw with Nairobi City Stars.

The Bungoma-based team needed to beat the Nairobi City Stars and hope Muhoroni Youth faltered against Gor Mahia to delay their relegation, but they fell short. Now at 19 points, the club cannot amass more than 28 points and will only play for pride in their remaining matches.

Nairobi City Stars remain fifth with 48 points, as many as fourth-placed Bandari, who survived a scare from Sofapaka in their first home match at the Ukunda Showground.

Threatened with relegation, Sofapaka took a 2-0 lead in the first half, but the Dockers rallied in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw.

Despite Sofapaka's rise to 14th place with 32 points, Batoto ba Mungu still faces relegation and must win their remaining games to ensure their safety.

At the Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, Bidco United persistently caused trouble for the AFC Leopards, ruining the afternoon for Ingwe fans with a 1-0 loss against the 12-time league champions.

Before the game, Bidco United were unbeaten in their last six games against AFC Leopards (four wins and two draws), and Samuel Ndung'u ensured that streak continued with a goal in the 66th minute.

Despite a good day in the office, the win sees Bidco United remain 10th, but with 44 points. The AFC Leopards remain 6th with 47 points.