Africa-Press – Kenya. Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry is over the moon after his charges gunned down Ulinzi Stars at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Sunday to reclaim the top spot.
A first-half brace by mercurial midfielder Austin Odhiambo was all the 19-time Kenyan Premier League champions needed to open a two-point lead at the summit of the log.
“We are happy to be back at the top. We played a good match and I believe we can maintain the momentum in our remaining matches,” McKinstry said.
“We had a serious discussion as a team after our match against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium the other week and we agreed on a few things that influenced the outcome of today’s match,” he added.
The Irish gaffer has tipped his team to go full throttle for the title, adding that their past howlers were a blessing in disguise.
“Hopefully, we have learned our lessons from our past mistakes and we now understand the pressure that comes with allowing any team to be ahead of us in the league.
“There are still two matches left to conclude the season and we realise we shall be up against some tough opponents. However, from what we’ve witnessed today, there is no doubt that we have a firm resolve to clinch the title.”
Ulinzi Stars head tactician, Benard Mwalala said they lost to a better side that showed a lot of thirst for victory.
“We played a good match only that we had a fixture against a team that threw everything into the game to boost their chances of clinching the title. It wasn’t going to be an easy match,” Mwalala said.
“Our goal is to finish in a good position this season, probably in the top five. If push comes to shove, then we will be contented with being in the top ten as we organise ourselves for a better performance next season.”
Gor reclaimed the top spot as the aspirations of their closest challengers Tusker came crashing in their 1-0 defeat to competition minnows Wazito at Muhoroni Stadium in Kisumu.
Collins Neto fired Wazito into the lead in the 14th minute before Charles Momanyi restored parity in the 78th minute.
Neto then grabbed a last-gasp winner from the spot with three minutes of regulation time left on the clock to deal the brewers a huge blow.
Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz piled more misery on relegation-bound Mathare United after pipping them 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.
Vihiga Bullets pulled off a shock 2-1 win over AFC Leopards at Mumias Complex while KCB beat Bidco United 1-0 at Kasarani Annex.
Police thumped Posta Rangers 3-0 at the Police Sacco Stadium.
The weekend’s round of 32 results have Gor at the apex of the log with 67 points. Tusker have slumped down to second with 65 while Nzoia Sugar are third with 63.
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