Vihiga storm into second in intriguing promotion race

Vihiga United stormed into second on the National Super League (NSL) standings following their 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars on Wednesday at the Mumias Sports Complex.

The victory was a shot in the arm for the club as they dislodged Wazito FC to occupy the only other automatic Kenyan Premier League (KPL) promotion slot behind NSL leaders Ushuru FC.

Goals on either half from Bernard Ochieng and Patrick Okullo were enough to put Edward Manoah’s promotion fate in their own hands with three games remaining before curtains fall on the country’s second tier league.

Vihiga thus moved to 71 points, a point below league leaders Ushuru who have 72. Wazito (71) are joint second but have an inferior goal difference.

Consequently, KCB FC dropped one place down to fourth.

Vihiga endured a rough patch between September and October where they lost to lowly Kibera Black Stars and KCB but have now conjured three wins on the bounce.

As it stands, a spectacular grand finale awaits as the battle for promotion places goes down the wire over the coming weeks.

Only two points separate the leading pack of four with the race likely to be determined by a mere slip.

In the other NSL mid-week clash, Boniface Mukhekhe scored a first half brace but was shown the marching orders as GFE 105 edged Palos FC 2-1 at their Kipchoge Keino backyard in Eldoret.

Brian Baraza hit the second half consolation but the visitors failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage to rally and rescue a point.