NSL race for top spot gathers momentum
The pair of Kibera Black Stars FC and Kisumu All-Stars were ruthless at the weekend as the race for honour in the second tier-National Super League builds up steadily.
Black Stars have moved to fourth place and on 29 points after hammering visitors SS Assad FC 5-0 at Camp Toyoyo Grounds Saturday. Three goals in the first half made the work heavily cut out for the league newcomers who are currently 16th on the log and with 20 points.
Two goals apiece from Cliff Kasuti in the 19th and 50th minute, Samuel Kapen in the 33rd and 38th minute and a 48th minute John Njoroge's sole effort was enough to give Paul Ogai his third win as Head Coach of the slum-boys.
“It was a convincing display and surely, we must keep the pressure up going forward. We did what was expected in terms of taking chances and I am therefore happy with my players’ reaction after the past few games did not work well for us,” said Ogai. His side will face lowly Mwatate United next in an away match with all eyes on the premiership promotion challenge.
Missing out
Meanwhile, away at the Lakeside City of Kisumu, hosts Kisumu All-Stars welcomed back Muranga Seals with a punishing 3-0 defeat at the Moi Stadium.
This was the first match for the central region team after missing out on three games due to challenges with their stadium St. Sebastian Park which does not meet required safety standards. The win pushes the team also known as Otenga to eighth with 26 points after their second consecutive win following last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over Muhoroni Youth at the same venue. Away at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa Elite FC thumped visiting Gusii FC 4-1 after going two matches without a win. The victory means Elite are in fourth place up to fifth on the log with 29 points off 19 matches.
The team has had a good run with four wins in six matches. Gusii on their part is 17th on the log with 18 points. In other matches played, Shabana are up to third on the log with 31 points after their 2-0 win over Silibwet Leon’s FC who are now 13th on the log with 24 points.
Two top sides uncharacteristically dropped points to pile pressure on themselves from the back. At Ruaraka Grounds Saturday, leaders APS Bomet FC tied 1-1 with Mully Children’s Family FC where the former is now on 37 points.
A similar result was between Coastal Heroes and Fortune Sacco at Mbaraki. Fortune Sacco remains second on 33 points with the gap at the apex being four points among the leading pack.
