Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday erupted in celebration as Migori Youth beat Equity 2-1 to clinch the 2025/26 National Super League title and secure automatic promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
The win increased Migori’s points tally to an unassailable 80 with one round of matches remaining to the end of the season. Second-placed 3K FC can only reach a maximum of 79 points.
3K were supposed to play Mwatate United in Wundanyi Stadium on Sunday but the match did not take place as the hosts failed to provide an ambulance and the required security.
3K, who can secure the second automatic promotion spot, will host Migori Youth in their next match.
Migori Youth’s victory ended a tense week for them as they chased a first ever promotion to top-flight football.
In front of a packed Awendo Stadium, Migori Youth wanted to secure the win early but Equity, sitting fourth and chasing a play-off spot, had other ideas.
Migori struck first in the 25th minute through Vincent Wanga, who raced down the left wing before beating Equity goalkeeper Michael Onyango.
The bankers restored parity in the 52nd minute through Wayne Mureithi with a curled effort from 22 metres out, into the net and briefly silencing the home crowd.
Celebration in Awendo town
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when John Juma scored the match winner.
Equity pushed forward for an equalizer but Migori Youth were not going to surrender their lead.
Celebrations continued long after the final whistle with boda boda riders hooting incessantly in Awendo town.
Migori Youth will feel particularly pleased with this win. On Tuesday, the FKF Appeals Committee docked the club three points and two goals over a disciplinary matter, cutting their lead to just one point.
However, Migori Youth moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) and secured temporary orders staying the Appeals Committee decision.
That ruling restored Migori to 77 points before Sunday’s fixture, putting their destiny back in their hands.
“We told the boys to forget the cases and play football. Today they showed heart. This is for Migori, for South Nyanza. We are going to the Premier League.” Migori coach Sammy Owano said.
Founded in 2016, Migori Youth steadily rose from FKF Division One and Regional League to the NSL.
Equity, who remained fourth, must now beat the already relegated Mwatate United next weekend to stand a chance of securing the third spot.
In another match, third-placed Mombasa United beat Nzoia Sugar 1-0 to help their case.
