FKF Premier League promotion/relegation playoffs: Police hold Vihiga in Mumias

National Super League side Kenya Police held Vihiga United to a 1-1 draw in the FKF Premier League promotion/relegation playoffs, yesterday, at Mumias Sports Complex, in Kakamega.

Clinton Kinanga gave Police the lead in the 19th minute before Leslie Otieno restored parity for Vihiga as the game went at the break tied at 1-1.

The second half witnessed no goals as Police held on to carry a crucial away goal advantage ahead of the second leg.

Police will now host the return leg on Sunday, at Ruaraka Grounds, as coach John Bobby Ogolla hunts for a win.

Speaking after the match, Ogolla said they will be ready for Vihiga as they look set to earn promotion to the top tier league.

“We played well, but we were unlucky in the final half after missing good chances. Nevertheless, this is not a bad result. A draw in Mumias, which is always a tough ground to come and play, is a motivation that we can seal the deal in Nairobi,” said the former Gor Mahia tactician.

Police are seeking promotion to the top-tier league after amassing 64 points in the just concluded NSL league while Vihiga are fighting to avoid relegation after finishing at 16th in the Premier League, last season.

This will be the second time Vihiga will be featuring in the play-off in the last two seasons. Last year, they defeated Kisumu All Stars through penalties to earn promotion to the top league.

The aggregate winner will feature in the 2021/2022 FKF-PL season set to kick off on September 25.

FC Talanta and Vihiga Bullets have already been promoted to topflight league after securing two automatic slots, with Zoo Kericho and Western Stima dropping to the NSL.