NSL: Murang’a Seal start new season on high
Only 15 goals were scored in the opening round of the 2021/22 Betika National Super League which resumed at the weekend.
Muranga Seal announced their intentions early in the second tier championship following a 4-1 drubbing of débutants SS Assad Sunday at the former’s backyard of St Sebastian Park.
Seal under Shem Nyaberi’s stewardship saw Levian Ochieng grab a brace in the 19th and 24th minute.
SS Assad had opened their account in the league with a 17th minute goal courtesy of Juma Mwanjau. Other goals for the hosts were scored by John Mwita and Dennis Munyovi in the latter stages of the match. The huge win means the Seal Team is now top of the table.
Meanwhile, APS Bomet beat Gusii FC 1-0 at home to bag three important points at home. The club which finished sixth last season has set its sights on advancing to the premier league next season.
Coach Benedict Simiyu who spoke after the exciting encounter played at the Bomet IAAF stadium on Sunday said their main aim is to try and avoid losses in home matches as it was crucial in ensuring they collect the much-needed points.
“We have our target. This is our last appearance in the NSL and to achieve this we must ensure we win all home matches and possibly get draws on away matches while trying to avoid losses,” said Simiyu.
Lone goal
The lone goal which came through a free kick in the 68th minute from Felix Busaka sealed the fate of their opponents.
Several attempts by the visiting team to secure a point by forcing a draw in the dying moments of the match bore no fruits as the home team put up a spirited fight by playing a defensive game. The club has signed three players in a bid to boost its performance this season. In another tie, Mombasa Elite FC beat visiting Silibwet Leon’s FC 2-0 at Mbaraki Stadium. Kelvin Akimat had a brace for the team formerly known as Modern Coast Rangers up until this year where it changed management.
The match officiated by Teddy Asman was a physical contest all-round but Elite were slick and quick especially in their movement in the final third, putting the opponents under immense pressure. Mombasa Elite is now second on the log.
Another Coastal side Coastal Heroes FC picked full points on the road against Leonard Odipo’s Kibera Black Stars at Hope Centre Grounds, Kawangware.
It was a baptism of fire for the new man at the helm of the much followed Slum Boys as his counterpart Hussein Mohammed outsmarted him tactically.
Khamis Abiud scored the lone goal in the 79th minute after good work down the left flank from Juma Ali who offered the assist that saw the Black Stars custodian Frankline Mwenda lobbed as he left his goal area.
