Gor Mahia were officially crowned the 2017 SportPesa Premier League champions as Stima United joined Muhoroni Youth as the relegated teams of the season following the final round of matches of the competition on Saturday.
What drama on this final day of the season.
But first the coronation. Gor Mahia were duly crowned 2017 champions after coming from behind for a 2-2 draw with “small brothers” Sony Sugar at a jam-packed Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
George Abege and Geulord Yema scored for Sony while Medie Kagere grabbed a double for Gor Mahia for a season tally of 14 in the absorbing contest.
”It has been continuous hard work and good discipline and the results are here with us today. We deserved to win this championship,” said Gor coach Dylan Kerr.
The match was attended by Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo and Homa Bay Governor Cyprain Awiti as the Green Army savoured yet another league win.
In the relegation battle, Western Stima thought they had done enough when reliable Wesley Kemboi netted in the 68th minute to give them a 1-0 win against Chemelil Sugar at Chemelil Sugar Sports Complex.
But Thika were also having the fight of their lives. Headed for demotion with about 15 minutes remaining the Thika lads somehow survived thanks to Mwinyi Kibwana’s dead ball delivery that sailed straight into the net.
At the final whistle Thika and Stima were tied on 35 points but the former had a superior goal difference. The upshot. Thika survived and Stima were relegated after eight years in top flight.
They joined Muhoroni Youth whose relegation had been confirmed two weeks back. They understandably had little to offer as AFC Leopards run over them 4-1 at Mumias Sugar Sports complex.
Ulinzi crushed poor Tusker 4-0 at Afraha Stadium with a brace from their top striker Stephen Waruru to increase his season tally to 13. Other goals for the Kenya Defence Forces side came via Elvis Nandwa’s pile drive Ibrahim Shambi’s neat finish.
The win secured Ulinzi seventh spot while deposed champions Tusker finished in sixth place.
Kariobangi Sharks beat Nakumatt 2-1 at Ruaraka ground on a day Juma Masoud clinched the Golden Boot award with 17 goals despite being uncharacteristically silent in this encounter.The win secured newcomers Sharks a commendable third place finish behind Sofapaka, who beat Zoo Kericho 2-1 to close to within 19 points of winners Gor.
Saturday results:
Chemelil 0-1 Western Stima
Gor Mahia 2-2 Sony Sugar
Muhoroni Youth 1-4 AFC Leopards
Nakumatt 1-2 Kariobangi Sharks
Nzoia 1-1 Kakamega Homeboyz
Posta Rangers 2-2 Mathare United
Sofapaka 2-1 Zoo Kericho
Thika United 1-0 Bandari
Ulinzi Stars 4-0 Tusker
