Africa-Press – Kenya. Opet FC were held to a goalless draw by Malaba Giants to end the Football Kenya Federation Zone B league season in the second position behind Bungoma’s Posta.
Opet needed a clear win to guarantee them the top spot in their maiden league but things didn’t go as per their plan before their partisan fans at Father Okodoi Secondary School grounds in Teso South Sub County.
The barren draw saw the Lukolis-based club end the season with 54 points, the same as Posta who emerged champions, thus denying Opet direct qualification to Division Two League.
The two teams had the same goal difference (27) but Posta were declared champions by virtue of goals scored (53 compared to Opet’s 39). However, Opet conceded only 12 compared goals to 26 by the new champions.
The rule that earned Posta the title states: “If any club finishes with the same number of points, their position in the league table is determined by goal difference, then the number of goals scored, then the team which collected the most points in the head-to-head matches, then who scored most away goals in the head-to-head.”
Opet patron, Fidelis Opeto said despite the draw that denied them the top spot, they are ready to play in Division Two directly or via mini-league, noting that the journey to that excellent performance has not been easy.
“We were top on the log in the first leg before sliding to the second position. The trend changed in our last five matches as we posted mixed results while Posta beat Matili City 2-1 in a penultimate match,” he said.
He added: “Talents abounds in the county. I formed Opet FC to help nurture untapped talent among the youth. Our main target is to propel Opet FC to the Kenya Premier League in the shortest time possible.”
Opet captain Brian Asimeri said they trained hard but the local derby was not easy forcing them to drop two crucial points. He, however, added that they hope to redeem their reputation when they are promoted to Division Two.
Malaba Giants captain Joseph Wanjala said although the match was tough, they defied the odds to hold the hosts to a barren draw, thus denying their bitter rivals.
Club chairman, Evans Oduor said they were comfortable with the draw having prepared the team well but was happy to see four of their players join top tier league.
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