Tusker loss pushes Posta into playoff trouble

Posta Rangers will feature in this year’s promotion playoff after finishing 16th in the 2019 Kenyan Premier League standings as Chemelil Sugar and Zoo Kericho secured narrow escapes on final day.

Posta lost 2-1 to Tusker FC and means they finished the season on 32 points, one behind Zoo FC and two adrift Chemelil who edged Sony Sugar 1-0 at the Chemelil Sports Complex.

Zoo survived a storming comeback from KCB to draw 2-2 in Mumias after leading 2-0 into the break but they did just enough to pinch a crucial point that kept them up.

Posta, who finished one place above the promotion playoff spot last term, will thus be subjected to the test by a team from the National Super League in a clash that will determine their flight status.

It marks a painful deterioration for a team that finished fourth in their KPL return in 2016 before finishing fifth the year after.

Tusker took an early lead after Michael Madoya tapped in from a perfect cross before Boniface Muchiri doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Posta goalkeeper Gradus Ochieng fouled David Majak in the penalty area.

Posta’s goal came via the spot kick with skipper Jockins Atudo converting in the 87th minute to make it 2-1.

“My boys displayed quite a good game in the first half but a little lost focus in the second half but all the same we managed to finish the league with a win,” Tusker head coach Robert  Matano

Mount Kenya United, who were relegated three weeks ago, dished out their third walkover of the season against Ulinzi Stars while relegated Vihiga United were hammered 4-0 by Kariobangi Sharks.

AFC Leopards ended another disappointing season with a 13th-place finish after drawing 0-0 with Western Stima at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Coach Casa Mbungo left out Paul Were and defender David Cheche Ochieng who have been standout additions for the team with the duo not making it to the bench.

In a game of few chances, Leopards should have fallen a goal down in the 35th minute but Jairus Adira produced a stunning fingertip save to prevent Kevin Akong’a’s bullet header from going in.

SUMMARISED RESULTS

Tusker 2-1 Posta Rangers

KCB FC 2-2 Zoo Kericho

Chemelil Sugar 1-0 Sony Sugar

Western Stima FC 0-0 AFC Leopards SC

Gor Mahia FC 2-2 Mathare United

Nzoia United 2-2 Bandari FC

Kariobangi Sharks 2-2 Vihiga United

Sofapaka 2-0 Kakamega Homeboyz

-Report by Steven Kiprop and Godfrey Ashiali