Sigalagala Polytechnic was the outright winner in a hotly contested Western Division Two playoffs last weekend.
The Western Zone National Division Two mini league was held up at Iten grounds, Marakwet county, from 12th November 2022 to 13th November 2022. This was the determinant for the National Division One Zone B promotion.
This is the second consecutive time De’ la Sharks are being humbled in the final of the same competition, considering that they were out washed almost in a similar way in 2021 by Mayenje Santos from Busia County.
The former Harambee stars striker Fred Ambani led side, Sigalagala Polytechnic, started the match brilliantly with some entertaining tiki-taka kind of football in the first ten minutes. De la Shark then gained momentum and quickly adapted to the game’s tempo, making it an equal contention from both sides. The match ended with few chances in the first half in a balanced 1st half.
Soon after resumption, it was all guns blazing for De’ la Sharks side led by Oliver Kiptoo as the head coach. They missed some crucial chances to gain the lead. In the 77th minute, Sigalagala Polytechnic was narrowly missed as Benard (J.no 11) hit the post with a shot and would blame themselves since they were not clinical on the goal line throughout the second half.
With a barren draw, they headed to extra time, and they were some moments for them to celebrate, but due to the blunt finishes, they were punished in the 113th minute of the extra time from a free header after they committed a foul at the centre line.
The match ended 1-0 in favour of Sigalagala Polytechnic, who are set to be promoted to the National Division One zone B in the coming season. In the semi-final, Sigalagala Polytechnic won 1-4 against Eldowas, while De la Shark won 2-1 against Compel to book the final.
Article by Michael Omondi
Michael Omondi (Mico Moyer) is a multi-talented professional with an immeasurable passion for sports. He is a graduate of Business Management (BBM- Accounting) from Moi University. He is a national referee in Kenyan football and currently works in the Division One League. He writes sports news and does sports analysis. His email is michaelomondi@upeohubdigital.co.ke
