Gor Mahia’s 22nd title celebration, initially expected as early as their next fixture, hit a brief snag after they were forced into a 1-1 Sportpesa League stalemate by Kenya Police FC on Sunday evening at Nyayo National Stadium.
Coming into this clash, the record champions needed to maintain their winning momentum and restore the points difference to nine, after AFC Leopards had already cut the gap to six points on Saturday with their victory over Mara Sugar.
However, a first-half strike by Brian Otieno proved costly but Ghanaian international Ebenezer Assifuah came off the bench to salvage a share of the spoils at home.
Now, with K’Ogalo having three matches left to play, they will have to wait a little longer to reclaim the title, hoping Ingwe who have a game in hand, drop points soon.
For the Law Enforcers, the draw moves them to 52 points, maintaining their status as the league’s most improved side and extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches.
READ MORE: AFC Leopards revive title hopes with hard-fought win over Mara Sugar
The match sparked into life in the 22nd minute when Kenya Police took a deserved lead. After Eric Zakayo’s free-kick struck the wall, the ball fell to Yves Koutiama, whose blocked attempt landed perfectly for Otieno. The midfielder made no mistake, slotting the ball home to stun Gor.
The first half saw referee bookings reflecting the intensity; Gor’s Paul Ochuoga saw yellow early, while Lawrence Juma and Police’s Hernest Malonga were both cautioned for unsporting behavior just before the break.
Gor Mahia nearly leveled in stoppage time of the first half when Ebenezer Aduk-waw forced a spectacular save from Daniel Ogembo following an Ochuoga cross.
The second half saw the Law Enforcers squander two golden opportunities to put the game to bed. In the 64th minute, substitute Clinton Kinanga found himself in a prime position but fired his effort straight into the arms of Gor custodian Byrne Omondi.
Ten minutes later, the script repeated itself; Edward Omondi, with his first touch of the game, played a pinpoint pass to the speedy Zakayo, but the winger failed to find the corners, hitting his shot directly at Omondi.
Those missed chances came back to haunt the visitors in the 86th minute. A wonderful delivery into the box by Shariff Musa caused a frantic melee in the Police goalmouth. In the chaos, Adukwaw reacted fastest to the loose ball, striking home to secure a vital equalizer for the hosts.
While the draw denies Gor Mahia the chance to move further clear at the summit, the late rescue act maintains their momentum.
Kenya Police will head back to their base rueing missed opportunities, despite a performance that proved they could topple the record champions.
Starting Lineups
Gor Mahia: Byrne Omondi, Paul Ochuoga, Bryton Onyona, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, Jackson Dwang’, Lawrence Juma, Ebenezer Adukwaw, Shariff Musa, Samuel Kapen.
Kenya Police FC: Daniel Ogembo, Dan Sakari, Hernest Malonga, Abud Omar, Kevin Ouma, Nana Kusi, Marvin Nabwire, Eric Zakayo, Brian Otieno, Tobias Otieno.