Nakumatt Pip Ushuru In SPL Promotion Play-Off

NAIROBI, Kenya- Nakumatt FC made their intentions to remain in the SportPesa Premier League next season after beating Ushuru FC 1-0 in the first leg of the promotion play-off at Camp Toyoyo Grounds  in Nairobi on Friday. 

The game began with plenty of good passes for the SPL side as Ushuru found it difficult to contain the early pressure. In the 6th minute, ex AFC Leopards SC midfielder Harun Nyakha fed  Joseph Wanyonyi with a lovely through ball but the Nakumatt custodian was up to the task. 

Boniface Mukhekhe was the livewire for Nakumatt and after some good work on the right flank he sent a cross into the danger area which Joseph Waithira connected well with but sent his shot over the bar. 

In the 18th, Nakumatt came close again and it was  Waithira once more who's left footed shot forced a great save from the goalkeeper. 

Their relentless attacking paid off in the 20th when Tom Adwar struck a fine free-kick from 23 yards to give the retailers a deserved 1-0 lead.

Chances became rare as the game went on until the 37th when Nyakha was left unmarked outside the penalty box and his right footed shot went agonizingly over the bar. 

The referee blew for half-time and the retailers went into the break a goal to the good. The second half only produced two shots on goal for either side, making it look as though Nakumatt would hang on for the victory. 

Nyakha came close in the 67th but once again the keeper pulled off a fine save to keep Ushuru in the game. Ushuru then played extremely well to open up the defence but the resulting effort went inches wide of the goal. 

Nakumatt brought on experienced Moses Odhiambo for the last 10 but the referee blew for full time with the score 1-0 to the home side. 

The second leg will be played on October 28 to determine which of the two teams will feature in the top flight next season.