Wazito FC, Migori battle for FKFPL slot remains evenly poised in play-off

• The first leg match played in Awendo ended 0-0
• The second leg will be played in Muhoroni
• A scoring draw will earn Migori a Premier League place

The hunt for the single remaining slot on the FKF Premier League for the 2023-24 season will be decided next weekend when Wazito FC hosts the second leg of the relegation/promotion play off at their backyard.

The first leg duel between the two sides in Awendo ended in a barren draw, and a humongous return tie awaits in Muhoroni. Migori need only a scoring draw to book their first ever ticket to the Premier League while the second leg hosts must win to maintain their top flight status.

Migori coach Kevin Oluoch, a former Sony Sugar and Gor Mahia defender said he is banking on a good second leg to lead the side into the Premier League.

“A draw is not the best result we wanted, but at least we did not concede. The second leg will not be easy for both of us. They will be under pressure playing at home and we will plan ourselves well for that game,” Oluoch said.

He added; “We will go all out to score and win. There will be nothing to defend. We have to go all out. But even as we play an attacking game, we have to plan our defending well too because they will also be all out to score.”

Muhoroni bank on home advantage 

Meanwhile, Muhoroni’s Charles Odero said they will bank on their home advantage to carry a precious victory and remain in the Premier League.

“We played a very good game and the boys really fought well. We wanted a win but we couldn’t get it. Now we have to focus on the second leg and we will give a good fight. We witnessed a very tactical team especially in midfield and that is what we will try to neutralize in the second leg,” the former Chemelil Sugar skipper said.

In the first leg in Migori, the match was a cagey affair from the onset with both sides exercising caution. Both teams created few scoring chances with Wazito hitting the crossbar and Migori Youth forcing a great save from Tom Muthomi.

However, in the end, neither side could find the back of the net.

Wazito in play-off for second season 

Action between Muhoroni and Migori Youth.

The play-off is usually contested between a team which finished 16^th in the Premier League and one that finished third in the second tier National Super League. Wazito finished 16^th in the FKF PL and are looking to maintain their top flight status.

Migori managed a third place finish in the NSL and are hunting for a maiden FKF PL ticket, joining Shabana and Murang’a Seal in the top tier, the latter having been promoted after finishing first and second respectively.

This is the second consecutive time that Wazito are playing in the relegation and promotion match. Last season, they edged out Seals in the play-off on the away goal rule. Since the start of the relegation and promotion play-off, no second tier team has ever beaten a Premier League side to earn promotion.