Migori Youth were crowned National Super League (NSL) champions on Sunday after edging Equity Bank 2-1 to secure automatic promotion to the SportPesa League.
The victory saw the Sammy Owano-coached side open an unassailable lead at the top of the table with 80 points and one match remaining, sealing a historic first-ever appearance in Kenya’s top flight.
Centre-back Vincent Wanga and John Juma scored for the hosts, while Wayne Mureithi netted Equity Bank’s consolation in a match watched by hundreds of fans.
Coach Owano hailed the achievement as a remarkable turnaround for the club.
“Last year, the team was on the brink of relegation. Now we are NSL champions and we are heading to the top-tier league. I’m very happy,” he said.
Equity Bank’s defeat also confirmed promotion for second-placed 3K FC and third-placed Mombasa United, who sit on 76 and 75 points respectively. Equity Bank remain fourth on 71 points and can no longer catch the promotion places.
Mombasa United strengthened their promotion bid with a 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar at Mbaraki Sports Club.
Meanwhile, 3K FC were awarded a walkover after hosts Mwatate United failed to provide an ambulance and security personnel for their match.
“It’s very disappointing. We arrived here three days ago and prepared for this match. We travelled all the way from Embu to play. The match official has stated he can’t risk having the match played without an
ambulance or security personnel,” the club said in a statement.
Promotion, however, remains subject to ongoing disputes over league regulations despite the top three teams occupying the automatic qualification spots.
At the other end of the table, Vihiga United’s stay in the NSL came to an end after a 1-1 draw against Luanda Villa at Mumboha Grounds. They join already relegated Mwatate United in the third tier next season.
The battle to avoid the final relegation spot remains alive, with Darajani Gogo and Mully Children’s Family (MCF) still fighting for survival.
Darajani Gogo defeated Kisumu All Stars 2-1 at Marist University, while MCF recorded a similar 2-1 victory over Kibera Black Stars at Ligi Ndogo Grounds.
Elsewhere, Fortune Sacco beat Gucha Stars 1-0 at Wanguru Stadium, Soy United and Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) played out a goalless draw at Eldoret Showground, while Kabati Youth came from behind to defeat Naivas FC 2-1 and secure their NSL status.
