Waithera stars as Nakumatt retain topflight status

Nakumatt confirmed their place in next season's SportPesa Premier League (SPL) with a 2-0 win over Ushuru in the second leg of the promotion playoff at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.

Nakumatt, who finished 16^th in the topflight, beat Ushuru 3-0 on aggregate following a 1-0 win in the first leg played at the Camp Toyoyo grounds on October 19.

They will open the 2018/19 season against Sofapaka on December 8 at Ruaraka grounds as Ushuru, who lost a chance to return to the KPL in similar fashion against Thika United in last year's playoff, remain in the second tier.

Joseph Waithera drew first blood after 23 minutes with a delightful curler from outside the 18 yard box after being fed by Timonah Wanyonyi.

The mid-season acquisition from relegated Wazito claimed a brace at the death after Ushuru defenders failed to stop him. 

Ushuru, who finished third in the second tier, were dealt an injury blow on 59 minutes after Benson Amianda was stretched off. Maxwell Ravel replaced him.

In the 35^th minute, Ravel hit the upright after being picked out by Anthony Ndolo from an Evans Maliachi corner as the equalizer proved elusive for the taxmen.

Ushuru came back to press for the leveller and nearly got it through Oscar Mbugua but he blasted wide from close range on 53 minutes.

Alex Sunga, who rested Bill Oporia on 51 minutes, attempted a lob that missed the target by a whisker in the 65th minute.

The taxmen fought on but were denied by a vigilant Nakumatt back line led by Eugene Ambulwa and Amani Kyata.