SPL FINALE: Western Stima relegated, Thika United earn play-off spot

Thika United forward Onwudi Chibueze (right) charges past Bandari defender Bernard Odhiambo during their SportPesa Premier League clash at Thika Sub-County Stadium on November 18, 2017. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO |

What you need to know:

  • Western Stima have been relegated from the SportPesa Premier League despite winning 1-0 against Chemelil Sugar Saturday at the Chemelil Sports Complex as the season came to an end.
  • In Thika, Mwinyi Kibwana's 74th minute free kick gave Thika United a lifeline as they edged Bandari 1-0 to boost their quest to remain in the top flight.

Western Stima have been relegated from the SportPesa Premier League despite winning 1-0 against Chemelil Sugar Saturday at the Chemelil Sports Complex as the 2017 season came to an end.

In Thika, Mwinyi Kibwana's 74th minute free kick gave Thika United a lifeline as they edged Bandari 1-0 to boost their quest to remain in the top flight.

Bandari forward Shaban Kenga (right) takes on Thika United defender Dennis Odhiambo during their SportPesa Premier League match at Thika Sub-County Stadium on November 18, 2017. PHOTO VINCENT OPIYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP |

They will now face the team's that finishes third in the National Super League in the relegation playoff.

Stima join Muhoroni Youth in the second tier league after the latter's fate was sealed weeks ago.

Wesley Kemboi’s 68th minute winner was not enough to prevent Stima from going down.

Stima needed to win 2-0 win to secure a relegation play-off between them and Thika United as both teams would have scored and conceded same number of goals (-9) having played to a 1-1 draw in both legs.

Both teams finished on 38 points with Stima finishing on a goal difference of -10 with Thika on -9.

In Thika, it took Mwinyi Kibwana's well-executed free kick in the 74th minute handed the hosts a very crucial win.

“I must appreciate the work the boys have done to ensure we win our game. we were under pressure that’s why they lacked composure in front of goal but in such a difficult match, individual brilliance had to take precedence to settle it. We now focus on the playoff with our aim being to stay in the league,” Thika coach Nicholas Muyoti said after the match.

His opposite number Paul Nkata attributed the loss to a bumpy pitch and fatigue.

“We were facing a wounded lion so it was going to be a tight contention but with difficult conditions, bumpy surface and long distance travel, we found it tedious to pick a positive result," said the Ugandan.

Thika United midfielder Saad Musa (right) dribbles past Bandari's Anthony Wambani during their SportPesa Premier League clash at Thika Subcounty Stadium on November 18, 2017. PHOTO VINCENT OPIYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP |

Smarting from a heartbreaking 2-1 loss away to Zoo Kericho in mid-week, Thika needed composure, preciseness to emerge victors. The first half however was punctuated with tension from the Thika forwards who splashed various open chances in front of goal.

In the 10th minute, Mwinyi’s shot hit the upright and four minutes later, Saad Musa fed the former with a precious pass but his shot was picked by Bandari goalkeeper Joseph Okoth.

In the 20th minute, Saad found Eugene Mukangula with a long pass on the right flank, the latter did well to cut in but his left foot volley from the edge of the box hit the woodwork as Bandari survived Thika's attacks.

Thika failed again in the 27th minute after a promising build up was wasted by Saad who blasted wide. Dennis Odhiambo found Mukangula, who floated a cross into the box, Mwinyi teed up Saad but with an eye on goal, chose power over precision much to the chagrin of hundreds of Thika fans who bothered to turn up.

Darious Msagha’s shot at goal in the 38th minute veered off the target in their only sniff at goal.

In the 57th minute, Edwin Lavatsa lurched onto a long ball into the box, controlled well but his right foot shot was parried by Allan Owiny in Thika post.

Hassan Abdallah brought down in full flight Mwinyi in the 73rd minute referee Badir Yassin handing the hosts a free kick just 20 yards from the target.

Mwinyi took responsibility to convert past Okoth even though the ball ricocheted off the crossbar before crossing the line.