Gor Mahia coach admits FKF Premier League title race over after draw with AFC Leopards

Gor Mahia Interim Coach Zedekiah Otieno has conceded that it will be difficult for his side to retain the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title this year, following the team's 1-1 draw with archrivals AFC Leopards at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday.

The 97th edition of the Mashemeji Derby saw Gor take an early lead through Austin Odhiambo before Brian Wanyama equalised for AFC Leopards. The result means that Gor Mahia remain six points behind league leaders Kenya Police, who have 61 points, with only two games remaining.

Gor, who have a better goal difference than Kenya Police, can still win the league if the boys in blue lose their final matches. However, should Kenya Police register a draw against Shabana FC on June 11, the league will be done and dusted.

Speaking after the match, Otieno expressed frustration at the draw with AFC, noting that lapses of concentration in their defence cost them the match.

"It is a very sad day for us, I think a lack of concentration in defense cost us today. In our previous game (against Murang'a Seal), we conceded from a throw-in, and today again from a set-piece. It is a concern, but it's something that we can work on going forward," Otieno told Mozzart Sports after the match.

Further, he seemingly threw in the towel in the FKF Premier League race, noting that it will be difficult for Gor to retain the title.

"I am very disappointed because this is a match we had really planned to win. I don't think there is any other chance (to win the league). As you can see, the gap is widening between us and Police, and now we cannot talk about the league anymore," said Otieno.

However, the interim Gor Mahia coach noted that the team will turn its attention to the upcoming Mozzart Cup Finals later this month, where the side will lock horns with Super League side Nairobi United.

Nairobi United booked their ticket to the final after beating Mara Sugar 3-1 on post-match penalties on Sunday afternoon, after the game ended 1-1 in normal time.

The winner of the final, scheduled for later this month, will walk away with the trophy, a cash prize of Sh2 million and an opportunity to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup.

"Let's go back and concentrate on the Mozzart Bet Cup," said Otieno.

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• Gor Mahia coach admits FKF Premier League title race over after draw with AFC Leopards
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