Darajani Gogo FC bounced back from their round 32 fall at the hands of Nzoia Sugar FC to edge SamWest Blackboots 3-1 in a thrilling National Super League (NSL) encounter staged at the Marist College.A brace from Veron Ombima and a late Ian Motanda goal saw coach Paul Ogai’s men climb up to third on the log, a promotion playoff position. Only two matches remain before the season closes for the Kibra-based side.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsHeading into the Saturday afternoon tie, Gogo knew nothing short of victory would serve meaning to their last two matches, and after a barren first half as SamWest held their nerve, apprehension rested on the home crowd at Marist.Veron Ombima would, however, serve as the icebreaker briefly after the restart. The visitors rallied to equalise soon after, but Ombima in red-hot form was on hand to reclaim the lead. Motanda then sealed the contest 3-1. At 56 points, Gogo stay third, pending Sunday’s results.Coach Ogai, after a fair first leg, injected to his squad fresh legs with the likes of Alphan Barbosa, Duol Donyak, and Austine Wahongo. The latter, roped in from Premier League outfit Sofapaka after a dragged-out transfer debacle, says it is do or die in their remaining two matches.Farouk Shikalo opens up on Harambee Stars’ mentorship role”We cannot afford to drop any points in the remaining two matches. Our hard work has finally placed us at an advantage, and the prize is in sight. We went out to seek promotion, and we can see how close that possibility is. We will have to be at our very best if we are to make that promotion charge,” says Wahongo, a deep-lying midfielder.Gogo are undoubtedly playing their best season, with most part spent not just in the top half, but also with occasional swapping of positions with the top three. A team comprising names that have graced the top flight before, like Edwin Adem, Elisha Owino, Brian Wepo, and Motanda, Wahongo admits that it was never going to be easy breaking into the starting eleven.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967483##”We, the newcomers, joined a team that was already brimming with talent, and I am just glad we fit right in. Coach Ogai’s philosophy of play is not too difficult to adapt to, and that explains why I and a few new faces have had generous playing time and helped the team whenever called upon,’’ he says, adding that they have a supportive fanbase who took them right in.”At first, when we came, the fans did not know much about us, but when we took to the field and they saw our contribution to the team, they were pleased that we did not take too long to blend in. Time was of the essence.’’A side supported by a well-structured office, Gogo will have every reason to at least make the promotion play-off position, especially after the club management revealed to them that goodies are in store for them if this feat is achieved.Kabati Youth reveal millions needed for debut NSL campaign, appeals to sponsors”Our sponsors gave us a target to finish in the top three bracket, and there will be rewards. We want that,” concludes Wahongo.Coach Ogai’s men will be keen to keep an eye on Sunday’s matches that have their fellow promotion chasers in action. Second place AP’s Bomet host Nzoia Sugar while Naivas are away to Mombasa United. Fortune Sacco, their next opponents in the roster, are away to 3K FC.Gogo’s last two matches will be an away trip to Fortune Sacco before rounding it off at home against Luanda Villa.
