Gor Mahia hitman Benson Omalla and his Kenya Police counterpart Tito Okello are locked in a tight battle to claim the FKF Premier League Golden Boot with both players on 15 goals.
Omala increased his tally to 15 with his goal on Saturday which secured a 1-0 win over Shabana but 24 hours later, Okello, who had been two goals behind, drew level.
Okello scored a double as Kenya Police beat Nairobi City Stars 2-1 on Sunday, setting the stage for an epic battle with five matches remaining.
The Kenya Police striker is in hot form, scoring seven goals in his last five league games, including a brace a piece in matches against Sofapaka and FC Talanta and now City Stars.
It puts pressure on Omala to continue scoring if he needs to win the individual award that eluded him in heartbreaking fashion last season, despite scoring a record-equaling 26 goals.
Omala got into May on 24 goals and was the firm favourite to claim the award but a five-game drought allowed former Kenya Police striker Elvis Rupia to close in and eventually claim the top scorer’s gong with a record 27 goals.
With Police doing everything to help Okello claim the award, including handing him penalty duties, Gor Mahia seem to have discovered the tactic and have also handed Omala opportunities from the spot.
Omala has been on penalty duties for Gor Mahia in their last two matches, scoring one against Murang’a Seal, when he bagged a brace, before missing one against Shabana on Saturday which would have given him some breathing space had he converted.
While the two battle for the award, Tusker’s Erick Kapaito, who is on 10 goals, is still keeping hope alive.
“You never know what might happen in the race, so for me, I just want to keep scoring,” Kapaito remarked.
Another player to watch out is Kariobangi Sharks striker John Makwata, who scored four as his side thrashed Sofapaka 5-2, on Saturday.
Makwata, who joined Sharks in February has nine league goals, same as Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo and Francis Kahiro of Bandari.
