Gor Mahia has opened a five-point gap at the top of the log after defeating Nzoia Sugar 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League match on Monday.
The congested fixtures list meant it was Gor Mahia’s third game in the space of five days, and coach Hassan Oktay needed to make a few changes to ensure the team remained fresh.
Nzoia Sugar, aware of the situation, attacked almost from the first whistle and were rewarded with an early strike by Hansel Ochieng.
The champions had to up their game or risk falling to the determined visitors – whatever the technical bench told the lads worked as moments later the match was level again after Burundian forward Francis Mustafa found the back of the net with a clinical finish.
With five minutes to go, left-back Geoffrey Okoth secured all three points with a well-taken header to break the hearts of the visitors as well as their sizeable traveling fans.
Gor Mahia is now on 41 points after 18 games, five more than second-placed Sofapaka, who have played a game more.