Thika sinks Tusker to set stage for massive survival brawl in top flight football.
Thika United now have a 50-50 survival chances to remain in
the top flight football after they beat the Tusker FC by a solitary goal in the
Kenyan Premier League (KPL) over the weekend at the Ruaraka Grounds.
The other Sunday results involving the other relegation fighting teams Mathare United, Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth mean that the relegation battle
will go down to the wire.
Mathare United, who
recorded a similar score line against Nzoia Sugar, have 35 points, the
same to Thika United but only separated by goal difference with the Slum
Boys occupying the safe slot at 15th on super goal
difference while the milkmen are 16th
in the table.
However, Thika United might survive automatically or be
subjected to a play off if FKF have their way. Western Stima will be relegated
if they lose their next match and either Thika or Mathare pick a point. With
one match to go, the gap will be four points and thus mathematically impossible
to close the distance.
The powermen dropped
three points off safety after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Ulinzi Stars
in Kisumu.
For Muhoroni Youth,
they are officially relegated after yesterday’s loss opened up a 10 point
gap between them and Western Stima with just three matches left.
In the Thika United
match, Eugene Mukangula subjected Tusker to an embarrassing defeat when he
slotted home the ice-breaker in the 37th minute.
A sluggish Tusker
were forced to pay, first with David Okello going down injury in the 36th
minute.
Thika United,
however, took advantage of the weak backline when Mukungala slotted home the
opener and only goal of the match a minute later to take a slim lead.
Clifford Alwanga
twice knocked at Thika United door in a span of seven minutes but his early
attempt at goal in the 3rd and 10th minutes paid bore no
fruits as Thika United absorbs pressure.
Tusker chased the
game for an equalizer but Thika United did well to cover their backline a time
slow ticks away.
Tusker are still
second above leaders and champions, Gor Mahia.
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