Nzoia Sugar FC can comfortably remain in the Kenya Premier League after Lewis Okello’s first half strike earned them the needed point against Gor Mahia.
The afternoon result extended Gor Mahia’s frustration against the Bungoma-based football club who have not lost a match against the 19-time Champions for over two-year.
Okello struck in the 29th minute at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, austensibly switching off K’Ogalo’ hopes of lifting a 20th crown this season.
The forward headed past a helpless Dolph Junior Otieno to give the visitors the lead before Samuel Onyango snatched an equalizer in the 48th minute to save the green army from the embarrassment.
Nzoia, who were battling relegated with Wazito FC, were only in need of a point from the remaining two games against today’s opponents and AFC Leopards.
With that draw coming so early, it means Nzoia move to 31 points, 3 above Wazito FC who sit 16th on the table but with an inferior goal difference of -20 against Nzoia’s -8.
Even if Nzoia were to lose their final match against Ingwe, Wazito will need a miracle of a century to win their last game with at least 12 goals to nil.
As it stands, @nzoiasugarfc2 won't be relegated from the @TheOfficialKPL even if they lose to @AFCLeopards unless @wazitofc win 12-0 in their final match. pic.twitter.com/Km4YXL3LMf
— Simiyu Wakajuaness 🗨 (@wakajuaness) June 5, 2022
On the other side, Gor Mahia was still in contention for the title, as they had a loose six points that could have gone their way as they were yet to play FC Talanta in a postponed match and the verdict in their abandoned clash against Vihiga Bullets was yet to be made.
However, the draw against Nzoia dashed all hopes of their title quest as they now found themselves eight points behind the two joint leaders Tusker and Homeboyz who are tied on 60 points.
Coming into the match, Gor had a poor record to show against the Millers as they last won a match against their visiting opponents back in February 2020, drawing one and losing twice in the three games they played before Sunday.
“We came in having a plan against Gor which we knew would bear fruit if we execute perfectly. We went out and did just that as we thought and I am happy with the performance they gave today,” said Nzoia head coach Salim Babu in his post-match remarks.