Posta Rangers keep FKF Premier League status despite narrow Naivas FC defeat

Photo Credit - FKF National Super League.

Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Naivas FC in the second leg of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League play-off at SportPesa Arena on Wednesday, Posta Rangers retained their top-flight status with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

An early goal from Markvivian Kesa gave National Super League (NSL) side Naivas hope, but the Mailmen held firm under pressure, thanks in part to a vital first-leg 2-0 cushion and a heroic late save by goalkeeper Bixente Otieno.

Posta, under the tutelage of former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, went into the fixture knowing a draw of any kind would guarantee them their place in the top flight. However, they were shocked to go 1-0 down courtesy of Kesa’s strike.

It was Naivas who looked the most likely to get the second, but Posta's defence stayed firm to deny them a second goal. This marked Naivas FC’s second consecutive play-off heartbreak, falling short again after another strong NSL season.

Last season, Naivas came up against Sofapaka in the same play-off, with Batoto ba Mungu emerging 2-0 aggregate winners. They won the first leg 1-0 and repeated the same result in the return leg.