Resurgent Kabati Youth sink Soy United to boost survival hopes

Kabati Youth continued their impressive resurgence in the National Super League (NSL) after edging Soy United 2–1 in a pulsating encounter staged at Thika Stadium on Thursday, 18 December.

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Goals in either half from Tyson Abdi Sifuna and Andewa Fidel proved decisive as Kabati registered their third win of the campaign, moving to 14 points and closing to within a single point of safety, although they remain 17th on the standings.

The victory further underlined the hosts’ growing belief as they extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

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For Soy United, however, the result compounded a worrying trend on the road.

The defeat marked their fifth away loss of the season and extended an inconsistency that has left the Mozart Bet-backed side hovering just one point above the relegation zone.

Rooted in the drop zone and four points off the bottom heading into the fixture, Kabati entered the match determined to build on recent momentum.

Soy, also battling to steady their return-season, arrived seeking back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

True to its billing, the contest burst into life from the opening exchanges. Kabati threatened as early as the fifth minute when Tyson Abdi Sifuna combined neatly with Marc Ferran Dominic before firing narrowly wide.

The breakthrough came seven minutes later. A costly lapse in the Soy backline allowed Tyson to slip through and calmly slot past goalkeeper Brian Marani, handing the hosts a deserved early lead.

Stung by the setback, Soy grew into the contest and began to dictate possession.

Erick Namasaka came close to equalising in the 25th minute, rising to meet Vincent Cliff’s pinpoint cross but sending his header just over the bar.

Soy continued to threaten, with Alfred Ratolo rattling the crossbar moments later after expertly controlling another delivery from Cliff.

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Kabati responded through Andewa Fidel, whose curling effort in the 37th minute was smartly parried by Marani.

Both sides created chances before the break. Ratolo squandered a golden opportunity from close range, while Kabati nearly doubled their advantage through Karanja Dennis, who headed narrowly wide after excellent work down the left by Salano Kelvin.

Soy began the second half brightly, with Namasaka engineering a chance barely a minute after the restart, his long-range strike flashing wide.

However, their momentum was quickly halted as Kabati struck again in the 47th minute.

Played clean through on goal by Ivayo Banzy, Andewa Fidel showed composure beyond his years to finish clinically past Marani and give Kabati a commanding two-goal cushion.

Sensing danger, Soy head coach Jeffers Odongo responded with a triple substitution, introducing Peter Okello, John Khanda and Clinton Oriffah in a bid to spark a revival.

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The changes injected urgency into Soy’s play. Okello went close on the hour mark after weaving past defenders, while Samuel Khaemba later tested Kamau Paul with a header that the Kabati goalkeeper handled comfortably.

Kabati nearly put the contest beyond doubt with 20 minutes remaining when Marc Ferran Dominic’s diving header bounced agonisingly wide after a teasing delivery from Indako Sylvanos.

Soy’s persistence was finally rewarded 15 minutes from time when substitute Dennis Shigami curled a magnificent free-kick past Kamau Paul to reduce the deficit and ignite a tense finale.

Despite late pressure and another effort from Okello that was safely gathered by Paul, Kabati remained disciplined and resolute to see out a memorable victory.

The win represents a major psychological boost for Kabati Youth under coach Haji Bilali as they intensify their quest to avoid an immediate return to FKF Division One.

Meanwhile, for Soy United, urgent improvement away from home will be required as the relegation battle tightens heading into the business end of the first leg.