2009 FKF Premier League winners Sofapaka secured their top-flight status with a decisive victory over Naivas FC at Dandora Stadium.
Sofapaka will be participating in the FKF Premier League for another season following their 1-0 win over Naivas FC at the Dandora Stadium on Sunday 14th July 2024.
Batoto ba Mungu went into the match carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg after Jacob Onyango’s goal gave them a slim win and all they needed was just a draw to retain their top-flight status.
Naivas were put under immense pressure midway through the first half as Sofapaka continued to probe en route to the Supermarket Boys half.
![Jacob Onyango reflects season after his goalscoring heroics help Sofapaka claim crucial playoff win](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08072024/9919213c-b52c-4329-bb61-4e3e60f014a5.png?operations=fit(180:))
17:25 - 09.07.2024
Jacob Onyango reflects season after his goalscoring heroics help Sofapaka claim crucial playoff win
Jacob Onyango, who is linked with a move to Kenya Police to replace Tito Okello, scored the only goal as Sofapaka beat Naivas 1-0 in the first leg of the FKFPL relegation playoff last Saturday.
Jacob Ochieng and Darius Msagha were the creators-in-chief for their side and often had the away side back peddling.
However, Benjamin Murimi came close to breaking the deadlock at half-an-hour mark after finding himself in an inviting position inside the box.
With his shot deflected out wide for a corner, Sofapaka managed to contain the away side's attacking move from the set-piece opportunity.
Sofapaka continued to keep Naivas defense busy and their efforts were rewarded three minutes to the break when Musagha delivered a pinpoint pass to the left to find Andre Lalama who sent a powerful shot into the back of the net with goalkeeper Wycliffe Oduor well beaten.
![Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana reveals how he will see off Naivas in return leg to secure FKF Premier League status](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07072024/e4f268b0-1c6f-4848-9f20-074e3530fb50.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:05 - 07.07.2024
Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana reveals how he will see off Naivas in return leg to secure FKF Premier League status
Ezekiel Akwana has explained the tactics he will deploy to win their clash against Naivas next week having won the first leg 1-0 on Saturday.
Naivas coach Collins Omondi made a change at the beginning of the second-half with Jailus Akisanya replacing Charles Ometo.
Former APS Bomet man tried to make an immediate impact, but he missed the target with a long-range shot in the 56th minute.
The visitors then took control of the game and they nearly found an equalizer after the hour-mark.
Brian Ouru watched on in disbelief as his dangerous curling effort was finger-tipped over the crossbar by Evans Omondi.
![Stanley Tshabalala: Why Orlando Pirates legend will be laid to rest on Nelson Mandela's birthday](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/14072024/64b83853-4d49-4ae4-8ccd-cb53ce777a68.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
20:30 - 14.07.2024
Stanley Tshabalala: Why Orlando Pirates legend will be laid to rest on Nelson Mandela's birthday
Nelson Mandela's birthday marks the funeral of Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala honoring the soccer legend's transformative impact on South African football.
Before Humphrey Mieno's powerful low shot narrowly missed the target as Sofapaka they searched for their second goal.
Sofapaka's assistant coach Ezekiel Akwana then pulled out Andre Kalama and he introduced Mabul Odhila with 12 minutes left.
However, the momentum was with Naivas in the latter stages of the game with Boston Kigaly missing the target from close range from Nixon Ouma's delightful cross.
![Gor Mahia defender Levin Odhiambo reacts to mixed debut in CECAFA Kagame Cup](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/14072024/fbd9c43e-ab99-468b-876a-64982f9e6289.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:05 - 14.07.2024
Gor Mahia defender Levin Odhiambo reacts to mixed debut in CECAFA Kagame Cup
Gor Mahia defender Levin Odhiambo made his debut in the CECAFA Cup impacting the game despite the team's mixed results.
Sofapaka then stood firm at the back until the match referee blew the final whistle, and the match ended in a 1-0 win as they celebrated retaining their league status.
How they lined up:
Sofapaka: Evan Omondi, Raban Dcheni, Rodgers Kipemboi, Victor Okhambo, Sunday Ekhakia, Humphrey Mieno, Roy Oral, Keagan Njemi, Andre Lalama, Jacob Nyando, Darius Msagha.
Subs:Victor Avuo, Lewis Dcheni, Stallone Asaba, Augustine Wahngo, Edwin Lwita, Mabul Odhila, Odanya Aban, Kithae Aron, Finlay Osor.
Naivas: Wyclaff Oduor, Charles Ometo, Nixon Ouma, Duncan Ikasua, Boston Kigaly, Julius Ngigi, Lucas Randu, Brian Oduor, David Orem, Francis Namuge, Benjamin Murimi.
Subs: Cyrus Ooko, Elix Otieno, David Otiso, Linus Lang'o, Vincent Lilande, Isaac Otieno, Rodney Ogaro, Francis Ochilo, Joachim Ochiero, Sammy Gondla, Robert Karisa, Justin Akisanya.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.