CITY STARS SURVIVE CHOP AS KCB EXIT: Even as questions remain over contentious league format next season

Like the proverbial cat that has nine lives, Nairobi City Stars have once again escaped relegation after rallying from a goal down to hold Sony Sugar in yesterday’s Kenyan Premier League match at the City Stadium, as Kenya Commercial Bank were relegated after sharing the spoils with their hosts Western Stima.

Gambian import Sanneh Ebrima cancelled out Amos Asembeka’s first-half goal to take the Kawangware-based side’s season tally to 28 points, two more than their rivals KCB.

The final-day performance left City Stars interim coach Dennis Okoth a happy man.

“The last three matches have been very decisive for us and I thank my players for their commitment and determination.

“I came in when things were very tough, but we have proved that we deserve to be in the league.

“It was a tough race, but we have miraculously overcome it. I thank God for everything,” Okoth told Feverpitch.

“It has been like a norm for us to struggle each season and survive by a whisker, but going forward that will be something of the past.

“At the moment, we know we have survived and we are entitled to play in the topflight league next year. As for the league format debate we leave it to our management.”

Despite flirting with the danger-zone for the better part of the season, City Stars went into the season ender tie just needing a draw and praying for a stalemate or a defeat for the 15th placed bankers.

Frederick Nyarombo broke the deadlock in the 27th minute before KCB defender Luke Ochieng drew level in the injury time.

In another match, Chemelil Sugar also drew with visiting Mathare United to finish two places above relegation.

However, it is not yet celebration time for both Chemelil Sugar and Nairobi City Stars as the two teams could still go down if Football Kenya Federation stick to their guns.

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