GOD, PLEASE HEAR US! No breathing space as KPL promotion battle rages on

Kariobangi Sharks Boniface Akenga in prayers after beating Bandari FC 5-4 in a post penalty match during GoTV Knockout tournament at Nyayo National stadium on Sunday, Sept 18, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kariobangi Sharks, Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt are all chasing the second slot in this year’s Nationwide Super League (NSL) campaign.

The three won their respective matches at the weekend to keep alive hopes of finishing second in the league and earn promotion to next year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Already, negotiations are going on between KPL and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on how to promote four teams to the top league next season.

Nzoia Sugar is the only team that has already been promoted to the top league. The teams have only one match left before the season ends and Kariobangi Sharks are in a good spot of finishing second after they defeated Ligi Ndogo 1-0 on Saturday at Camp Toyoyo grounds.

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Ibrahim Kitawi scored the all-important goal in the 80th minute. His side now has 80 points.

Sharks just need a draw against Nzoia Sugar in their last match of the season this weekend to be assured of a second place finish, which will earn them automatic qualification to the KPL.

On Sunday, Zoo Kericho beat Bidco United 1-0 to keep their hopes alive. In the 80th minute, Isaac Kipyegon curled in the winner from a free-kick at the edge of Bidco United’s box.

The result moved Zoo Kericho to third spot on the log with 78 points from 37 rounds of matches.

On Saturday, Nakumatt piled pressure on the leaders after they defeated Modern Coast Rangers 2-1.

Rashid Benjamin scored for the hosts, before Christopher Wekesa and an own goal from Samuel Karori gave Nakumatt the needed win.

Nakumatt now have 77 points and are fourth in the league standings.

Meanwhile, Nakuru Police hammered relegated Shabana 5-3 on Sunday at Afraha Stadium.

Kevin Kwasila opened the floodgates for Police in the third minute, before Esau Wasike added the second in the 26th minute and the third, 10 minutes later.

Shabana pulled one back through Kevin Momanyi in the 37th minute, before Wasike completed his hat-trick in the second half.

Shabana scored through Felix Tindi in the second half and Andrew Ongwae added Shabana’s third, but Dennis Nzomo ensured the home team picked all three points after he scored a late goal.