- Naivas FC won the second leg of the FKF Promotion/Relegation Playoff 1-0, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Posta Rangers’ 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
- The match was played on Wednesday, 2nd July, at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a County.
- Posta Rangers retain their top-tier status, while Naivas will continue in the National Super League as they seek promotion once again.
Naivas FC once again fell short of securing a spot in Kenya’s top-tier Premier League, succumbing 2-1 on aggregate to Posta Rangers despite a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the second leg of the FKF Promotion/Relegation Playoff.
The match, held at Sportpesa Arena on Wednesday afternoon, saw Markvivan Kesa net the solitary goal for Ekvis Ayang’s side, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit against the resilient Mailmen.
The Mailmen came into the match with confidence, having taken command of the tie with a convincing 2-0 win in the first leg played at Thika Stadium on Saturday, June 28.
That win was powered by two second-half strikes from Felix Oluoch.
As a result, Posta Rangers successfully retained their place in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, Naivas, falling short for a second consecutive year, will continue their quest for promotion from the National Super League next season.
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Posta Rangers defend aggressively to secure Premier League status
Naivas made an explosive start, scoring within just 30 seconds.
Kesa capitalized on a crisp assist from Newton Ochieng, maneuvering past defenders brilliantly before dispatching a precise strike into the net to give Naivas a 1-0 lead.
Despite the early breakthrough, they still trailed 2-1 on aggregate.
Following the goal, Naivas took control of the game, pressing hard for an equalizer. H
owever, the Posta Rangers defense, marshaled effectively by coach Pamzo’s disciplined charges, remained strong.
Naivas came close on several occasions, including three close-range efforts, but none found the back of the net.
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The first half was largely dominated by Naivas, who created multiple chances both from open play and set pieces.
Yet, they failed to convert, as Posta held onto their aggregate advantage without facing significant threats.
Naivas resumed the second half with renewed urgency, launching another early attack, but once again Posta’s backline held firm and cleared the danger.
Posta had their first real opportunity on goal when Bernard Ondiek unleashed a powerful shot that nearly beat goalkeeper Elix Otieno, who responded with a crucial save to keep Naivas’ hopes alive.
Nixon Ouma nearly doubled Naivas’ lead with a thumping header that rattled the woodwork, following an accurate cross from Kelvin Mwangi. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side, and the chance went begging.
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Despite Naivas’ relentless push and visible desperation to level the aggregate score, Posta Rangers remained composed and defensively solid.
In the end, Naivas could not break through again, and Posta sealed their place in the top flight for another season, leaving Naivas to regroup and fight another day in the National Super League.