A top of the table contest happened yesterday- March 8th at a fully packed Sudi Stadium in Bungoma when Gor Mahia visited Nzoia Sugar FC. Resulting in a four-goal thriller, the tie saw Gor retain their top spot in the FKF Premier league table standings while hosts Nzoia Sugar dropped to third- their lack of victory affected by KCB FC’s victory elsewhere. Highlighting this contest was the return of Nzoia’s prodigal son James Kibande who would have a say in the tie too- firing in the equaliser much to the delight of home fans who had missed his speedy runs down the right flank. Kibande had jumped ship to moneybags Kenya Police FC and only lasted half a season there before opting to return. He cites lack of playing time.‘’I was used to playing in Nzoia and even though the Police move looked great career-wise, I couldn’t get regular minutes under my belt. Police is a good side with many talented players, but I wanted to play too, that’s why I came back,’’ says the forward. Gor Mahia were the first to strike very early in the game before Ian Karani restored parity before the break. James meanwhile, watched from the bench having made the 18-man match day squad barely three days after rejoining the sugar millers. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7079727##FKF PL leading scorer Benson Omala restored Gor’s lead in the second half from the spot and right then, Coach Salim Babu threw in his ace. Kibande would come on for Hassan Beja on 70 minutes. Ten minutes later, he would be hacked down inside the Gor Mahia penalty area while through on goal and up he stepped to open his goals account at Nzoia once again. Abud Omar thrilled after winning start, looks ahead to a great season at Kenya Police‘’It was a great welcoming back I must admit. The atmosphere reminded me of last season when we won at will here in Sudi. To be honest, I’m very glad that the club and fans have welcomed me back with open arms and I am keen on repaying the faith,’’ he said. ‘’The first thing is to fight for a starting place in the team. It won’t be easy because when I left, others also stepped up and have done excellently in the first leg considering the results.’’Word has been doing the rounds that Nzoia are set to lose the services of winger Joseph Mwangi who has proved instrumental for the Bungoma side in the first leg. Midfielder Kevin Juma could also be on his way out of the club with interest for the duo mounting day by day. The stalemate in Sudi maintains a four-point gap between Nzoia and leaders Gor while KCB jump to second on the log, 2 points behind the leaders. The sugar millers have a long trip to Mbaraki where they face a wounded Bandari FC on Saturday 11th. From there, they’ll play hosts to Kibande’s former side Kenya Police FC.
