Week 23 delivered another dramatic twist in the title race, with Gor Mahia staying top after a late penalty secured a 2-1 victory over Mathare United.
Enock Morrison converted from the spot in the 87th minute to seal the win, lifting K’Ogalo to 49 points from 22 matches. AFC Leopards remain within striking distance on 43 points after a commanding 5-1 victory over Shabana FC, who sit third on 40, having played a game more.
The six-point gap at the summit remains intact, but momentum is building as the season edges into its decisive stretch.
Gor Mahia needed composure when it mattered most.
Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Assifuah had given them a 67th-minute lead before Dennis Okoth equalised for Mathare in the 82nd minute. With tension rising, Morrison stepped up late on after Gor were awarded a penalty.
“It was a big responsibility, but I stayed calm,” Morrison said. “When I walked to the penalty spot, I was thinking about execution, not pressure.”
He struck firmly to restore the lead and hand Gor three crucial points.
“We train for these situations. I trusted my preparation and my technique,” he added.
For Morrison, the late winner reflects the team’s mentality.
“Scoring late like that shows the character of this team. We don’t panic. We keep pushing.”
Still, he warned against complacency.
“Six points is a good gap, but it can disappear quickly if you lose focus. The league is not won in March. We have to approach every game with the same hunger.”
He acknowledged the growing threat from their rivals.
“We respect AFC Leopards because they are pushing hard, but our focus is on ourselves.”
AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada during a past KPL encounter/AFC LEOPARDS If Gor’s win was about grit, the Leopards’ response was emphatic.
Ingwe dismantled Shabana 5-1 in one of the most dominant displays of the round, underlining their intent to stay firmly in the title hunt.
Midfielder Kelly Madada believes the result carried a message.
“We wanted to show that we are serious. Five goals in a big match sends a strong signal,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the gap is insurmountable.
“It’s not small, but it’s not impossible either. When we are focused, we can beat any team in this league. That confidence is growing.”
Ugandan forward Ssenyonjo has been central to their resurgence.
“We are playing with freedom now. You can see it in the way we attack,” he observed. “When you score five goals, it gives everyone confidence. You feel unstoppable.”
But he remains grounded.
“The table shows six points. We know we have work to do. If we stay consistent, things can change quickly.”
Elsewhere, Kenya Police strengthened their push for the title defence with a 2-0 win over Bandari to move to 37 points. Kakamega Homeboyz kept pace with a 2-0 victory over APS Bomet.
Tusker edged Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 away, while Mara Sugar’s 3-1 win over Sofapaka deepened relegation concerns. Murang’a Seal and Posta Rangers drew 0-0, as did Bidco United and Ulinzi Stars in results that did little to ease survival fears.
Yet the spotlight remains firmly on the green-and-white versus blue-and-white duel.
“Every point matters,” Morrison stressed. “Every game is like a final for us,” Madada countered.
