Vihiga Boost SPL Survival Push, Bandari Consolidate 2nd Place

22nd September 2018 - by SPN Correspondent

Mururi's top flight first timers notch crucial 1-0 victory away at Rangers; Sony, Chemelil share spoils in Awendo

Action between Bandari FC (right) and Nakumatt FC in their SportPesa Premier League clash at Mbaraki Sports Complex on Saturday, September 22, 2018. PHOTO/Bandari FC

SUMMARY

Relegation rivals, Chemelil Sugar FC (32) could only draw 1-1 at Sony Sugar FC in the ‘sugar derby’ in Awendo in results that saw SPL first-timers Vihiga (34) pull away from trouble
At Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa, Bandari FC (58) tightened their grip on second spot after shutting down visiting retailers Nakumatt FC 3-1
The outcomes also meant basement side Thika United FC (23) will become the first side to be relegated from the SPL if Nzoia United FC beats them on Sunday at the Sudi Stadium, Bungoma

NAIROBI, Kenya- Vihiga United FC boosted their SportPesa Premier League (SPL) survival hopes when they notched a priceless away at Posta Rangers FC at Camp Toyoyo, Nairobi on Saturday.

Relegation rivals, Chemelil Sugar FC (32) could only draw 1-1 at Sony Sugar FC in the ‘sugar derby’ in Awendo in results that saw SPL first-timers Vihiga (34) pull away from trouble by opening a two-point gap in 15th.

At Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa, Bandari FC (58) tightened their grip on second spot after shutting down visiting retailers Nakumatt FC 3-1 to open a seven-point chasm with third-placed AFC Leopards SC (51) on the log.

In the clash of former Harambee Stars internationals, Mike Mururi’s Vihiga left it late to secure the vital points when Amos Kigandi popped up with the winner in the 87th minute at Toyoyo to sink Smmy 'Pamzo' Omollo and his mailmen.

First side

The outcomes also meant basement side Thika United FC (23) will become the first side to be relegated from the SPL if Nzoia United FC beats them on Sunday at the Sudi Stadium, Bungoma.

Justin Monda opened the scoring for the visitors in the 21st before Maxwell Onyango spared the hosts’ blushes when he notched the equaliser in the 71st with Sony (39) remaining 10th after the final whistle.

William Wadri and Joe Waithera traded goals Bandari and Nakumatt with the visitors levelling the contest early in the second period before the dockers nailed victory with further strikes from Felly Lumumba from the spot and Shaban Kenga.

Relegation threatened Wazito FC (27) host Zoo Keroicho (34) who are nervously looking over the shoulder in 13th at Camp Toyoyo with Tusker FC hosting Mathare United FC in the other Sunday SPL matched.