Wazito head coach Fred Ambani says he is glad his charges are a step away from cementing a spot in the next Kenyan Premier League season after fending off a tough challenge from National Super League (NSL) side Murang'a Seal on Thursday.
Wazito survived a late scare to pip their opponents 2-1 in the first leg of the promotion and relegation playoffs at Thika Stadium on Thursday.
“The boys played well and we'll do our best to get an away win in Murang'a on Sunday so that we can seal our place in the Kenyan Premier League next season,” Ambani said.
Wazito custodian Omar Adisa was the toast of the day, saving a penalty in stoppage time to give his side the much-needed edge heading into the return leg.
The Fred Ambani - tutored side went ahead early in the proceedings after versatile midfielder Tyson Otieno fired home from the spot in the 23rd minute following an infringement on Curtis Wekesa in the area.
Curtis Wekesa was second-time lucky to put his name on the scoresheet after hurling the ball into the back of the net in the 76th minute, effectively doubling the advantage.
Otieno, however, turned from hero to villain when he was sent for an early shower later in the game after committing a second bookable offense, leaving the hosts battling with a man down.
Murang'a Seal reduced the deficit eight minutes to the full-time whistle but subsequent heightened activities following the goal proved a little bit too late. The teams will settle scores in the reverse fixture at St. Sebastian Park in Murang'a on Sunday.
The winners of the two-legged clash will seal a spot in the next Kenyan Premier League season set to begin on August 27.
Wazito wrapped up the top-tier season third from the bottom while Seal finished third in the NSL to seal slots in the playoffs.
Both APS Bomet and Kirinyaga-based Fortune Sacco secured automatic promotion to the top tier after concluding the season first and second respectively.
The two sides have replaced Mathare United and Vihiga Bullets who were relegated from the topflight league after a torrid season.
