Soy United has been promoted to the National Super League after a 1-0 win over FC Bumbani in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One playoff staged at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday, October 08.
Alex Ratolo confirmed Soy’s return to the second tier after nearly four years in the cold with a 50th-minute goal. The game was staged after a three-month-long court battle that had previously raised doubts on the kick-off of the new season, which is already into its third week.
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Soy United started the game on the front foot with captain Kevin Odira sitting deep to dictate the tempo of the game and breaking up Bumbani’s attacks. In the 15th minute, Odira made an incisive through-ball pass that forced Fundi Hamisi into a foul, winning Soy a free kick. However, Ambrose Sifuna’s set-piece delivery was poor, squandering an early chance to open the scoring.
Bumbani’s first real chance arrived in the 26th minute, but Dzuya Feisal made it difficult for himself after finding space, allowing Samuel Khaemba to track back and dispossess him. Bumbani grew in confidence in the final ten minutes of the first half, stringing together neat passes and venturing forward more often. The half-time whistle blew with both sided drawn at 0-0.
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In the second half, Soy looked more determined to score. Soy head coach Jeffers Odongo replaced captain Kevin Odira with Joseph Wafula. In the 50th minute, Soy’s persistent pressure paid off. Peter Okello beat his marker Bwengo to cross the ball to Ratolo, who scored with shot past Chuma to give Soy the lead. Soy almost doubled their advantage in the 65th minute after an exchange between Sifuna and Ratolo, whose shot forced a fingertip save from Chuma.
The goal unsettled Bumbani, but they grew more confident as the game neared its close, creating several chances. Bumbani introduced fresh legs, bringing in Assu Ninja in the latter stages. Soy coach Odongo also made changes in the last ten minutes, bringing in Assu Ninja, Harrison Lutta, Eric Ondeko, and Harrison Mwandike for Sifuna, Clinton Ouma, and Ratolo, respectively. The substitutes injected energy and created chances, but the final whistle went with Soy leading. Soy’s players, coaches, and supporters celebrated their long-awaited return to the second tier since the 2021 season.
Soy United will complete the 20-team lineup in the second tier, joining Gucha Stars and Kabati Youth from Division One. Bumbani and Soy earned the playoff spot after finishing second in their respective Division One zones, Bumbani in Zone A behind Kabati Youth, and Soy in Zone B behind Gucha Stars.
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