KPL promotion: Vihiga United seeks redemption against Kisumu All Stars

Henry Juma of Vihiga United (left) vies for the ball against Kisumu All Stars's Willis Otenda during KPL promotion playoff match against Vihiga United played at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega. (Washington Onyango, Standard)

Vihiga United head coach Sammy Okoth believes his side will bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Kisumu All Stars on Saturday during the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Promotion playoff match played in Kakamega.

Vihiga, who were relegated to the National Super League (NSL) last season are seeking to return to the KPL but they have to defeat All Stars today by more than two goals and a clean sheet.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Okoth said they have to win in Kisumu if their dream of returning to the KPL is to be achieved.

“We have to win today no matter what. We already lost the advantage we had last weekend and now we have to do it the hard way by winning in Kisumu,” he said.

Okoth further called upon his charges to be clinical in front of goal and disciplined at the back after making many mistakes during the first leg played in Mumias.

“Discipline is key today especially for our defenders to ensure we don’t concede early goals and penalties that might put the game beyond us. I believe in my players and if we play according to plan we should be able to win,” Okoth said.

His Kisumu All Stars counterpart Andrew Aroka said they are ready to close out the game after an impressive first leg performance. Aroka believe the match is in their hands and all they have to do is avoid defeat in the second leg.

“We played well in Mumias last week and I expect nothing less than an improvement today as we seek to remain in the topflight league,” he said.

Kisumu All Stars defeated Vihiga United 2-1 with Willis Otenda and Shadrack Omondi scoring for the lakeside team and Dennis Wafula netting for Vihiga. The winner of the playoff match will join Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United in the KPL. [Washington Onyango]