NAIROBI, Kenya, November 7 – The battle for survival in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) goes down to the wire on Saturday following the 0-0 draw in the sugar derby between Chemelil and Sony Sugar played at a rainy soaked Chemelil Sports Complex that failed to solve the final relagation slot .
Coming from a 3-2 win over Tusker on Saturday, Sony needed a win to ensure survival and sink Kakamega Homeboyz but the two will be involved in a televised relegation scrap when the former host plucky Bandari with the latter taking on the might of AFC Leopards.
This did not go well with Zedekiah Otieno’s side as his charges squandered chances in the second half through Marwa Chamberi who headed the ball way from Chemelil keeper Jairus Adira.
“I am not disappointed with the boys because getting one point away and especially in Chemelil is very difficult, bearing in mind that we played under heavy downpour in the second half.
“I hope to play very well in our last match against Bandari at home (Awendo) so that I can remain in the KPl,” Sony tactician Zedekiah said after the match.
“My players lost a bit of concentration in the second half following the rain that made the pitch very slippery.
“ I am very confident that Chemelil will finish top-eight because we are playing our last match at home against City Stars and a win will give me 40 points which is my target,” Mike Mururi, Chemelil coach stated.
Hosts forward Georson Likonoh could have send his side on the lead in the 23rd but his shot went straight to Sony keeper Wycliffe Kasaya’s hands.
Two minutes later, Chemelil striker Tonney Opondo utilized Likonoh’s cross but Kasaya was quick to deny him the goal as both sides shared the spoil heading to half time.
The second half was more difficult for both sides as the heaven opened up worsening the state of the pitch which gave players hard time as it was bumpy.
Mururi’s side, playing in their first ever televised match at home, emerged for the second fighting but Kasaya denied Jared Obwoge a goal, saving his strike in the 80th.
Sony who are placed 13th with 31 points, will survive if they match the result of Homeboyz but they will press for a win against the dockers who are chasing a top four finish.
