Ushuru FC players before a past NSL match. The team lost to Thika United in the first KPL promotion play off on Thursday. [Photo/footballkenya.org]
Thika United gained advantage over Ushuru FC in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) playoff first leg match played at the Thika Sub County Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Thika United being coached by former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars midfield maestro Nicholas Muyoti, beat Ken Kenyatta’s Ushuru FC 2-1 to gain an early advantage ahead of the second leg game on Sunday.
The Thika based team got the two goals from Saad Musa and Onwudi Chibueze, while Mohamed Hassan scored for the tax men.
The two teams will face off in the second leg of the KPL play off on Sunday in Narok.
The winning team will get a ticket to participate in the 2018 KPL season, while the looser will join the 2018 National Super League (NSL) campaign.
Thika United found itself at this stage after finishing 16th on 2017 season KPL log, above relegated sides Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth.
On the other hand, Ushuru FC finished 3rd in the 2017 NSL season log behind promoted teams Vihiga United and Wazito FC.
Kenya Football Federation (FKF) new promotion and relegation rules dictates that the third last team on the KPL log at the end of the season and the 3rd placed team on the NSL table face off to decide the team to participate in KPL the next season.
The winner between Thika United and Ushuru FC will join Gor Mahia, Sofapaka, Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers, Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars, AFC Leopards, Nzoia United, Bandari FC, Sony Sugar, Zoo Kericho, Mathare United, Chemelil Sugar, Nakumatt FC, Vihiga United and Wazito FC to make an 18 team Kenya Premier league next season.