Promotion-chasing Vihiga United sink City Stars
What you need to know:
- The western Kenya-based side now have 71 points, one less than leaders Ushuru with three rounds of matches remaining.
- Two automatic slots for promotion are up for grabs meaning the race is on to the wire.
Vihiga United beat Nairobi City Stars 2-0 at Mumias Sports Complex on Wednesday in a crucial National Super League match to move to second spot on the log as the race for promotion to top flight intensified.
The western Kenya-based side now have 71 points, one less than leaders Ushuru with three rounds of matches remaining.
Two automatic slots for promotion are up for grabs meaning the race is on to the wire.
Benard Ochieng opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before captain Patrick Okullo sealed the win with nine minutes from time with his 16th goal of the season to sink the former SportPesa Premier League side.
Ochieng headed home Chris Masinza’s well delivered corner kick, while Okullo dribbled past several players before firing home a sizzling shot.
In another match played at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, hosts, GFE edged out visiting Palos 2-1.
Vihiga’s 2-0 victory over City Stars saw the Edward Manoah-coached side leapfrog Wazito and KCB into second place.
The Vihiga County-sponsored outfit, boosting superior goal-aggregate, are tied on 71 points with Wazito, while KCB are fourth on 70.
Fifth-placed Nairobi Stima have lost footing in the race for promotion, with the power men currently eight points adrift of the league leaders.
Speaking after the match, Manoah said his boys have vowed to maintain their winning ways in their remaining matches against Palos, Bidco United and Ushuru on the last day, November 25 in Kakamega to earn an automatic promotion slot.
“The boys are hungry to win matches and we want to avoid any slip-up in our push to make our maiden appearance in the SPL next year,” said the former AFC Leopards tactician.
Vihiga played without injured Ugandan import Rashid Kyambadde, but the striker is expected to resume training early next week and should feature for his side in the key remaining matches.
Agrochemicals play Modern Coast Rangers on Thursday at home from 1pm.
