Posta Rangers survive relegation after aggregate win over ‘unlucky’ Naivas

The mailmen held on to a 2-1 aggregate advantage, having secured a 2-0 win in the first leg in Thika last weekend.

The crucial away goal from Markvivian Kesa in the 22nd minute gave Naivas a glimmer of hope as they chased the two-goal deficit but it proved too little too late.

Kesa, in fine form throughout the match, pounced on a defensive lapse to put the National Super League (NSL) side ahead early on.

Elvis Ayany’s charges pushed for a second goal, with Robert Karisa offering creativity and Kesa continuing to threaten.

Justus Akweywa came close late in the game, but Rangers goalkeeper Bixente Otieno made a brilliant save to preserve the aggregate lead.

Posta Rangers' resolve was tested further when Oliver Maloba was stretchered off injured midway through the second half, but the side held firm under pressure.

The result means Posta Rangers, who finished 16th in the FKFPL, will continue to play in Kenya’s top-flight league for another season.

For Naivas, it was another heartbreak, their second consecutive failed promotion bid, having lost last season’s playoff against Sofapaka.

The Nairobi-based retailers, who finished third in the NSL for the second year running, once again came up short despite a spirited performance this season.

Their inability to break through in the final third ultimately proved costly.

Since the FKF-PL playoff format was introduced seven years ago, only two NSL sides, Vihiga United (2020) and Kisumu All Stars, have successfully earned promotion via this route.