• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 7 hrs ago

Title-chasing Gor Mahia face champions Kenya Police as relegation battle heats up in KPL

Record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will look to stretch their lead at the top of the table when they face defending champions Kenya Police in one of the biggest matches of the season on Sunday.

The clash at Nyayo National Stadium headlines a packed Matchweek 32 schedule that could shape both the title race and relegation battle.

Gor Mahia go into the match with 64 points, six ahead of rivals AFC Leopards, who reduced the gap after beating Mara Sugar on Saturday. A win for K’Ogalo would move them closer to winning another league title.

The league leaders are in good form after back-to-back 1-0 victories over AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby and Kakamega Homeboyz. However, Kenya Police have often troubled Gor in recent meetings, with Gor winning only once in their last five encounters.

Police, who are third on the table with 51 points, will also be desperate for victory to keep their slim title hopes alive.

Away from the title race, the battle to avoid relegation is also expected to provide plenty of drama.

Kariobangi Sharks will host Nairobi United at Police Sacco Stadium in a must-win match for the Sharks, who are fighting to stay in the top flight.

The William Muluya-coached side currently sits in the relegation zone, something they have never experienced since gaining promotion in 2017.

Nairobi United, fresh from their strong cup run this season, are aiming to finish as high as possible on the table. Assistant coach Boniface Omondi said the team is ready for the challenge, while vice-captain Lesley Otieno expects a tough contest against Sharks.

At Kasarani Annex, APS Bomet will face Mathare United in another crucial survival battle.

APS have received extra motivation after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen promised players a cash reward if they win their remaining matches. The side has responded well, winning their last four games without conceding a goal.

Mathare United, just one point above APS, will also be looking for maximum points after drawing 2-2 against Sofapaka in their previous match.

Elsewhere, Tusker host Bidco United at Wang’uru Stadium, with Bidco desperate to end a seven-match winless run that has left them deep in relegation trouble.

Other matches of the day will see Murang'a Seal take on Kakamega Homeboyz, while KCB face Bandari  in the second match of the Kasarani Annex double-header.