Posta Rangers took a significant step toward retaining their FKF Premier League status with a crucial 2-0 first-leg victory over National Super League (NSL) side Naivas FC in the promotion/relegation playoff held at Thika Stadium on Saturday.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News A second-half brace from striker Felix Oluoch proved decisive, giving the seasoned top-flight outfit a comfortable advantage heading into the decisive return leg scheduled for Wednesday 2 July at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997001##The match kicked off under intense pressure, as Naivas,vying for their first-ever promotion to the FKF Premier League looked eager to make a statement.They dominated the early exchanges, carving out promising chances in the first half.Naivas winger Robert Karisa Ponda nearly gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute, only to be denied by Rangers’ goalkeeper who made a sharp save.Emmanuel Lunalo came closest again at the half-hour mark with a powerful volley, but Ouru reacted swiftly, clearing the ball off the line to keep the scores level at halftime.Despite Naivas’ early pressure, Rangers returned from the break revitalized.The tide shifted in the second half, and it was the Mailmen who dictated the tempo.Harambee Stars learn fixture schedule of home 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)Their breakthrough came in the 64th minute when veteran defender Musa Mohamed launched a long ball forward.Oluoch latched onto it with precision, beating his marker before slotting it past Naivas goalkeeper Eliud Emase to open the scoring.Just four minutes later, Oluoch struck again pouncing on a defensive lapse, the former Kariobangi Sharks forward curled a composed finish beyond Emase to double the lead and cap off a sensational individual performance.Kibera Soccer crowned FKF Women’s Cup championsThe result leaves Naivas with a mountain to climb as they head into the second leg trailing by two goals.Having narrowly missed promotion last season, the NSL side now faces the daunting task of overturning the deficit away from home in what could be another heartbreak in their top-flight pursuit.##NAJAVA_MECA_8998029##Posta Rangers, on the other hand, will be looking to finish the job and secure their FKF-PL survival with a solid performance in the return fixture.
