Opet FC played Malaba Giants to a barren draw at home to finish second in the Football Kenya Federation Western region league zone B season.
Opet FC slip in the weekend thriller where they needed a clear win to guarantee them top spot in their maiden participation at Father Okodoi Secondary School grounds in Teso South Sub County gifted Posta from Bungoma the championship.
The draw saw the Lukolis based club miss a direct qualification to Division Two League despite securing similar points -54, as champions Posta.
The two teams had the same goal difference (27) but Posta were declared champions by virtue of goals scored (53 compared to 39 scored by Opet). However, Opet conceded only 12 goals compared to Posta’s 26.
The rule that earned Posta the title states: “If any clubs finish with the same number of points, their positions in the league table is determined by the 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.”
FKF Busia Branch chairman, Hillary Musundi who witnessed the match hailed Opet FC for their effort in flying high Busia County flag.
Speaking after the match, Opet FC patron Fidelis Opeto said despite the draw that denied them the championship they are ready to play in Division Two directly or via the mini-league.
He said: “The journey to that excellent performance has not been easy. We were top on the log in the first leg before sliding to second position. The trend changed in our last five matches before lady lack failed to smile on us, as Posta secured a 2-1 victory against Matili
City in a penultimate match.
“We have plenty of talent in our 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,” he said.
Brian Asimeri who captained Opet FC said they trained hard for the local derby although they lost two crucial points that would have propelled them to top spot.
On the other hand Malaba Giants captain Joseph Wanjala said although the match was tough they defied the odds to hold the hosts and deny them the championship.
