Pace-setters Mathare United, Kisumu All-Stars falter on MD 10
Initial pace-setters Mathare United and Kisumu All-Stars FC suffered a jolt recently with points being dropped on the way as the National Super League (NSL) entered Round 10 at the weekend.
The Slum Boys were held to a 1-1 draw against Rainbow FC, a surprising result against the league newcomers at Camp Toyoyo Grounds, which result means Leonard Odipo’s men are now on 26 points from 11 matches with a goal difference of +9.
However, with two draws and a loss, the momentum seems to have quietened, though the three-point gap at the top remains a good cushion for them.
Rainbow, on the other hand, is currently on 10 points and in 15th place with only a single win in the past five games played.
As for Kisumu-based All-Stars, their recent away performances have been wanting with only two points gained in three matches. On Saturday, Charles Bruno’s side, now fourth on the log with 18 points, were humbled 3-2 away at Mombasa Stars in a game played at Mbaraki Grounds.
Incidentally, this loss marks the lakeside boys’ second consecutive defeat, somewhat diminishing their early pressure at the top. The crucial win for the hosts has pushed Mombasa Stars to ninth place with 16 points.
The slackening of All-Stars has allowed the fast-improving Mara Sugar FC to reclaim their foothold, following their 3-0 victory over neighbors Gusii FC at Awendo Green Stadium. The sugarmen are now on 23 points, sitting second in the standings after 11 games.
Mara has secured three consecutive wins and has positioned itself once again to fight for Premiership promotion.
Brian Ochieng scored a brace with a goal in each half of the match, while the other goal came from David Owino in the 48th minute, placing the Mara side with the best goal difference in the Championship thus far (+15).
Meanwhile, two other contenders in the shape of Naivas FC and Migori Youth FC also secured important wins at the weekend in their The retail giants were 2-0 winners away at Ildamat Stadium over season high-rollers Kajiado FC.
Naivas, in third place, now has 23 points in the bag, albeit with a match in hand and three wins on the trot. Migori, on the other hand, had to dig deep in their 1-0 victory over 13th placed Kibera Black Stars. Fifth-placed Migori has also won three consecutive games and stands on 18 points with a match in hand, maintaining hope for positive outcomes ahead.
