The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League took an interesting turn after the long Easter weekend with the leading team Gor Mahia and second-placed Tusker going bumper to bumper in pursuit of the title.

K’Ogalo and the ale-men posted identical 2-0 wins in their respective round 23 matches to keep the gap between them at four points, although the latter is advantageous as they have a game in hand.

Tusker, who has risen from fourth to take a firm grip on the second slot, followed up their midweek success over AFC Leopards with a deserved win over struggling Sofapaka in Ruaraka in a result that gives them confidence ahead of their next fixture against Mathare United at the same venue on April 12.

On their part, Gor-who dropped points against Sofapaka in a midweek clash that ended goalless- rediscovered their winning ways by overcoming Kariobangi Sharks in Kasarani.

Austin Odhiambo, who has almost been spot-on for Gor lately in the league, delivered maximum points for the Green Army with a brace which should serve Harambee Stars scouts with food for thought to consider the creative midfielder for selection in the national team.    Gor Coach Jonathan McKinstry said he was glad that his team was able to recover after settling for an uninspiring barren draw with Sofapaka going into the fixture.

“Of course, it feels good for us to continue setting the pace. Stretching the dominance is not easy and I urge each and every player to continue working hard if we are to achieve our objectives as Gor Mahia,” said McKinstry.

Elsewhere at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma, home team Nzoia could only manage a scoreless draw against Bidco, their fifth stalemate in just over a month.

But Nzoia Head Coach Salim Babu was unfazed by the result, saying he believes his charges are still in the groove amongst the league title contenders, 

“We created a lot of scoring chances in the match but we couldn’t find the back of the net. We have been working more on marksmanship which has not been up to scratch lately and this is a frailty I hope to address in the dugout moving forward,’’ stated the tactician.

Added Babu: “I told them (my players) that this would be a character of sorts considering Bidco’s giant-killing antics at the onset of the season and they understood the statement. We had to show our usual character and mental toughness but in the end, we inexplicably dropped points at home that is not the end of the world and you shall see the real Nzoia Sugar sooner rather than later,” 

Babu’s counterpart Anthony Akhulia reckoned: “We did a lot of board work for this game as it was being played at one of the dreariest hunting grounds in the country and truly, my boys showed the character and managed to pluck at least a point.”

Meanwhile, after putting five unanswered goals past Ulinzi Stars in Mombasa, Bandari’s resurgence continued with a 1-0 away win over Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega with Harambee Stars midfielder Abdallah Hassan scoring the winning goal with five minutes remaining on the clock.

In Ruaraka, relegation-threatened Vihiga Bullets caused the biggest upsets by beating they’re ‘equals’ Mathare United 1-0.