City Stars maintain NSL lead as Migori, Stima keep chase
Nairobi City Stars earned a spirited 2-1 win against hard-fighting Fortune Sacco at Hope Center to open a six-point gap at the top of second tier National Super League table.
Dennis Gateri and Noah Abich scored the goals for City Stars albeit through sweat following big frustrations from the visitors who had scored a 64th minute equaliser courtesy of super substitute Babu Kisaji who scored a scorcher from 20 yards out well beyond substitute Stars custodian Ronny Kagunzi who replaced the injured Levis Opiyo.
City Stars dominated the opening set of play and pressed their challengers’ way up the field with the trio of Ebrimah Sanneh, Oliver Maloba and Davis Amuyunzu causing problems. However, the match was not without its fair share of drama as Fortune Sacco occasioned a five-minute stoppage after threatening to walk out in protests of a penalty awarded to City Stars.
It took the intervention of the technical bench and opposing players to calm them down with veteran Abich stepping up to slot home the winning goal past custodian Melvin Nderitu who had a series of comical errors.
Sacco had their own chances with Dennis Kariuki and Godwin Irungu testing the experienced Kagunzi between the sticks.
City Stars coach Sanjin Alagic was a relieved man after the match, praising his charges for staying positive. “It’s about having a good mentality throughout the match. We started brightly but they came back strong and tested us severally,” he said.
Meanwhile, second-placed Bidco United beat visitors Shabana 2-1 at their Thika Stadium backyard.
Nelson Chieta scored the fastest goal of the season following a thrown in after 44 seconds while Henry Omolo tapped in the winner in the 68th minute.
Nairobi Stima and Migori Youth are both joint third with 20 points apiece after a 1-0 win over Muranga Seal and a goalless draw against contenders Ushuru respectively.
