Mombasa United out to close gap on NSL leaders Migori Youth

Gucha Stars' forward Steve Odongo is challenged by Wellington Ochieng' of Kibera Black Stars during a National Super League match at Gusii Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Mombasa United will seek to close the gap on National Super League leaders Migori Youth when they host newbies Gucha Stars on Saturday.

The game will be played at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Sports Complex from 1 pm. A win for Gilbert Selebwa’s charges will close the gap on Migori Youth to just a point, though Migori have a game two days later against Nzoia Sugar on Monday.

Migori Youth lead the standings with 29 points, followed by Mombasa United (25)

Third-placed 3K, fourth-placed Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA), and fifth-placed Fortune Sacco are tied on 24 points, separated by goal difference.

Mombasa United and Gucha Stars won their respective mid-week fixtures. Mombasa thrashed struggling Mwatate United 3-0 while Gucha upset hosts Naivas 1-0 to record their first away win of the season.

Coach Selebwa warned his side not to underrate Gucha Stars.

“Being our last fixture of the year, we want to finish on a high note. Gucha is a good side but we have prepared adequately for them,” said Selebwa.

Elsewhere, struggling Naivas will seek to get their campaign back on track when they welcome FC Talanta at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) in Ngong', Kajiado County.

On Sunday, third-placed 3K FC host wounded Darajani Gogo at Moi Stadium in Embu. Darajani Gogo have lost two consecutive games.

On form, Luanda Villa will entertain Kisumu All Stars at Mumboha Grounds in Vihiga, while Equity Bank host financially-crippled Vihiga United. On Wednesday, Vihiga United dished a walkover after failing to show up for their game against Nairobi City Stars in Kisumu.

Fortune Sacco host a resurgent Kibera Black Stars at Kianyaga Stadium, while Nairobi City Stars and Soy United tussle at Gems Cambridge College in Nairobi.

Mwatate United are still seeking their first win under coach Evans Mafuta. They host the MOFA at Wundanyi Stadium. 

Separately, promoted Soy United’s away struggles continued on Thursday when they lost 2-1 to hosts Kabati Youth at Thika Stadium. Tyson Sifuna and Fidel Andewa were on target for Kabati, while Dennis Shigami scored Soy’s consolation goal.

Soy are 14th on the log with 15 points from 12 outings. Since their promotion, the club have lost all five of their away games against Kabati Youth, Darajani Gogo, Fortune Sacco, Talanta FC and Naivas.