Mombasa United suffer blow as Migori Youth, 3K and Equity shine in NSL

Migori Youth players celebrate at Gusii Stadium against Gucha Stars/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Mombasa United’s chances of qualifying for the SportPesa League suffered a dent after losing 1-0 to Luanda Villa on Monday afternoon.

Gerishom Osumba scored the all-important goal for Luanda Villa in the game played at Mumboha Grounds in Vihiga County to condemn Mombasa United to their second defeat in six games under coach Peter Okidi.

Promotion-chasing Migori Youth, 3K FC, and Equity Bank FC all recorded important wins. At Moi Stadium, Embu, hosts 3K FC ended a two-game winless run after edging visiting Talanta 3-2 in a five-goal thriller, while Equity Bank narrowly edged Soy United 1-0. Mohammed Wangai scored the lone goal for the Bankers. 

Syphas Otieno scored the all-important goal to give Migori Youth a 1-0 win over hosts Kisumu All Stars at Jomo Kenyatta Grounds. Otieno increased his goal tally to 20 goals. Migori Youth extended that lead at the top of the log to 77 points while 3K reclaimed the second spot after moving to 73 points.

Mombasa United dropped to third on the log with 72 points, while Equity Bank are fourth, a point behind. With two games to go, Migori Youth are almost assured of a slot in the SportPesa League next season.

Kabati Youth enhanced their chances of surviving relegation after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nairobi City Stars. Vihiga United’s survival hopes suffered a huge dent after a 2-0 loss against Naivas FC. Darajani Gogo also dropped deep into the danger zone after losing 2-1 against Gucha Stars at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County.

Mwatate United were relegated to the third-tier league after failing to honour their game against Mully Children’s Family (MCF) at MCF Sports Complex in Ndalani, Machakos County. MCF were awarded three points and two goals as Mwatate were docked three points. The cash-strapped Mwatate United had earlier appealed for funds to enable them to honour the game.

Elsewhere, Nzoia Sugar beat visiting Fortune Sacco 3-1 at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma County, while at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) battled to a 1-1 draw against Kibera Black Stars.