Advantage Posta Rangers after downing Naivas in FKF Premier League play-off

Posta Rangers remain on course to keep their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League status, following a 2-0 first-leg win against Naivas FC in the promotion/relegation play-off at Thika Stadium on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, the Mailmen needed a strong display in the second period to overcome their National Super League (NSL) opponents. Felix Oluoch’s second-half brace ensured Posta will take an advantage into Wednesday’s return leg at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.

Oluoch’s opener came in the 64th minute when he latched onto a through ball from Musa Mohammed before slotting it past the stretching hands of Naivas goalkeeper Eliud Emase.

Four minutes later, Oluoch, who was formerly with Kariobangi Sharks, doubled Posta’s lead. This time he took advantage of a defensive error by the Naivas back line, before curling home a superb effort, which beat Emase and nestled into the bottom right.

Despite their first-leg advantage, Posta Rangers coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo remains cautious that the job is not yet complete.

“We’re just halfway. We still have another 90 minutes to play, so we are not safe yet. We still have to fight and win the return leg,” said Omollo after the game. “I commend my players for the good job, we were not good enough in the first half, but our second half was much better.

“We will make sure to defend the advantage we have and attack them during the return leg. Naivas are a good side, so we can’t underestimate them. We have only won the first 90 minutes, let us wait and see what happens in the return leg.”

Naivas coach Elvis Ayany remains hopeful that his charges will be able to overturn the scoreline and secure their spot in the Premier League. “We still have a chance, we need to rectify a few mistakes and head into the return leg with confidence.”

“We gave away easy goals, especially the second goal. Lack of communication between the defenders allowed them to score, but we can’t talk about the first leg now, it is gone, we want to focus and see what we can get in the return leg.”

Last season, Naivas missed promotion after losing to Sofapaka in the same play-off.