Sofapaka’s chances of retaining their place in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) received a massive boost on Saturday afternoon following a 1-0 win against National Super League (NSL) side Naivas FC in a promotion/relegation playoff match staged at Police Sacco Stadium.Jacob Onyango netted the decisive goal after a rather dull encounter that saw both sides squander opportunities to take the lead.The first chance of the match fell to Naivas in the opening minute, as a quick counterattack gave them a clear sight of goal, but Evans Odhiambo pulled off a good save, conceding a corner that was poorly delivered by Bryson Kigalu.##NAJAVA_MECA_8197884##As the match progressed, both sides appeared to settle in, but it was Collins Omondi’s Naivas that had clearer chances to take the lead.Both teams continued to probe, with Sofapaka looking dangerous on the break. The hosts had their best chance of the half in the 23rd minute when Isaac Otieno’s shot deflected off a defender after a miscommunication between Odhiambo and his backline.Five minutes later, Darius Msagha thought he had scored for Sofapaka after beating Oduor in a one-on-one situation, but former Posta Rangers striker Francis Nambute pulled off a goal-line clearance to deny them a goal.Batoto ba Mungu continued to press in the last five minutes of the half, but Oduor proved brilliant in goal for the retailers, sending the two teams to the dressing room tied at 0-0.Sofapaka were unfortunate to lose Msagha to an injury immediately after the restart, with Jacob Onyango taking his place.Both teams shared possession fairly evenly after that, but Naivas created the best chance in the 60th minute. A superb interplay between Brian Ouru and Eliud Lokuwam allowed the latter a clear sight of goal, but his final effort was disappointing.EXCLUSIVE: Kakamega Homeboyz write to FKF accusing Gor Mahia of player tappingIn the 61st minute, wingback Kigalu had a golden opportunity to score for the hosts following a goalmouth scramble, but he missed from close range.The game then fell into a lull, with both teams wasting possession in the final third and creating few chances.It was substitute Onyango who stole the win in the dying minutes of the match with a header from inside the box after being set up by Andrea Kalama.The win gives the Ezekiel Akwana-coached side an advantage heading into the second leg of the match set for next Sunday at Dandora Stadium.The aggregate winner of the match will secure a place in the top tier next season.Soy United ascend to FKF Division One after conquering Hillside in promotion mini-league
