Naivas FC went top of the National Super League (NSL) after a 2-0 win over Vihiga Bullets at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology grounds, Nairobi on Thursday morning.Goals from Brian Ouru and Vincent Odongo sealed the win for the shoppers who were desperate to reclaim the top position.##NAJAVA_MECA_7821921##The Collins Omondi-coached side leapfrogged Mathare United and now have 39 points from 17 matches played, two ahead of Mathare. The duo are favorites to claim two of the available automatic promotion slots.Naivas, who have beefed up their squad in preparation for a promotion battle, had surrendered the lead at the top over the weekend as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kibera Black Stars, whereas Mathare failed to capitalize on the chance to open a three-point gap and played to a barren draw with Kisumu All Stars.Mulembe United, Kisumu All Stars to Revive Regional Classic in Round 18The match between the two teams was highly entertaining, with chances created by both sides. Bullets’ coach, George Owoko, acknowledged his team’s mistakes that contributed to their loss while also recognizing the strength of their opponents. He stated, “It was a tactical and tough match considering we were playing against a top-placed team that is eyeing promotion to the FKF Premier League next season. They have been a good team that has challenged us today.”The defeat left Bullets who are expected to rebrand to Samwest Black Boots FC firmly in the relegation bout with a goal difference separating the Kikuyu-based club from eighteenth-ranked Mombasa Elite.At the end of the season, two teams will earn automatic promotion to the FKF Premier League with the third-placed team facing sixteenth ranked in the top-flight league in a two-legged playoff.After 17 rounds of league action, Naivas, Mathare, Mara Sugar, and Nairobi United are perceived as the favorites to storm the top tier at the end of the season. The Naibois occupy third place with 35 points, two ahead of the Millers who missed out on playoff places narrowly last term.The NSL takes a break this weekend to pave way for the Mozzart Bet Cup preliminary stage matches which kick off this weekend.Harambee Stars can easily beat Ivory Coast, says coach Engin Firat
