Gor Mahia dropped points for a second successive match when they were held to a goalless draw by Ulinzi Stars at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.
With the week dominated by news of top striker Benson Omala’s failed move to Algeria, coach Johnathan McKinstry sought to keep his marksman out of the spotlight by starting him on the bench.
However, K’Ogalo lacked bite and cutting edge in attack as Ulinzi frustrated them in the first half when they failed to test the Soldiers’ resolve.
McKinstry would introduce Omala for the second half when he came on for Patrick Sibomana but Ulinzi kept them at bay for most of the encounter.
The lively Austin Odhiambo came close to breaking the deadlock when he hit the woodwork in the 58th minute but the Ulinzi defence stayed resolute.
K’Ogalo fans, who included club patron former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, kept pushing the team but it proved difficult as both sides shared the spoils.
The draw leaves Gor Mahia top of the table with 44 points but they have now dropped five points in two matches, following last week’s 3-1 loss to Kenya Police, allowing rivals to close in.