Vihiga Bullets relegated after defeat to FC Talanta

©Vihiga

FOOTBALL Vihiga Bullets relegated after defeat to FC Talanta

Festus Chuma 20:47 - 13.05.2023

The Western region-based club has garnered only eight points from 30 matches played this season.

Vihiga Bullets have suffered automatic relegation from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) after a 1-0 defeat to FC Talanta at Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result, decided by a goal from Brian Yakhama, sees Bullets’ two-year stint in the top flight come to an end regardless of the other four fixtures of the season.

Bullets, who had been in the top-flight league since 2021 but flirted with danger in the lower regions of the log, will be replaced next season probably by Shabana, who are likely to clinch the National Super League (NSL).

For a team that needed a victory at all costs to stand any chance of avoiding the axe, Bullets did not do enough to win the clash.

Vihiga gave an underwhelming performance in their backyard, as they have been doing for most of their abysmal campaign.

Talanta, who are also relegation candidates, needed maximum points to increase their chances of retaining their league status and were way better than the home side.

The visitors should have gone to the halftime break at least two goals up but some good defending by Daniel Masengo, combined with a bit of luck, denied them the opportunity.

Talanta were able to beat Vihiga's goalkeeper Edigar Epiyayu, but the first chance was cleared off the goal line by Buxton Wachie to deny Michael Jairo.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute by Yakhama , a goal that crushed all hopes of survival for Vihiga and confirmed their destination to the National Super League.

The relegation of Bullets is a big setback for the club as they had started to attract sponsors, which are vital for any side to be successful in the top tier.

Bullets have been so far solely funded by the club patron, the former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga.

Bullets were relegated at the end of last season but had a second lease of life in the top flight after the Federation anulled results from the Caretaker Committee-run league.