MOFA miss chance to close gap on NSL leaders Migori Youth after draw against Nzoia

Nelson Amunga of MOFA (R) shields the ball from Hesborn Omwamba of Gucha Stars during their NSL game at Gusii Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANA

The Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) failed to close the gap on the National Super League log leaders, Migori Youth, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Nzoia Sugar.

During the game played at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, new signing Vincent Nyabuto scored his first goal for the White Rhinos following his move from Gucha Stars, while Wycliffe Wanyonyi equalized for the former FLF Premier League side.

Following the draw, MOFA dropped to third on the table, four points behind leaders Migori Youth and two behind second-placed Mombasa United as the battle for the three direct promotion slots to the SportPesa League intensifies.

With 18 games played, Migori Youth is in the driving seat with 38 points, followed by Mombasa United with 34 and MOFA third with 31.

Vincent Nyaberi’s Fortune Sacco sits fourth with 31 points. Newcomers Equity Bank is also in the promotion mix. They are fifth on the table with 30 points.

The battle for the top scorer’s award also intensified with Syphas Owuor of Migori Youth also taking his tally to 11.

He was on the scoresheet for the promotion favourites as they brushed aside Luanda Villa 4-0. Other scorers were Vincent Wanga and Victor Juma, who grabbed a brace.

Nyaberi believes Fortune Sacco is firmly in the race for the NSL title and a slot in the SportPesa League next season. His charges swa off Darajani Gogo 4-2 on Sunday.

“I’m happy with the impressive run so far. We want to keep pushing. We remain firmly in the race,” said Nyaberi, who guided Murang’a Seal to the top-tier league.

In the relegation battle, Gucha Stars dropped to the relegation zone following their 1-0 loss to Kabati Youth at Gusii Stadium on Saturday.

The newly promoted side is 17^th with 19 points, while Mully Children’s Family (MCF) is 16^th with 16 points, and Mwatate United is 19^th with 13 points. Former FKF Premier League side Vihiga United is at the bottom of the log with nine points.

On Sunday, MCF lost 2-1 against Kisumu All Stars, while Mwatate United’s resurgence was halted after a narrow 1-0 loss against Soy United at Eldoret Showground. Bottom of the table Vihiga United lost 3-1 against Mombasa United.