Coach Moalim urges Mombasa United to play without fear in KPL

Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moalim has challenged his players to improve their composure, ball possession and finishing as they seek their first victory in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) following a disappointing home defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz.

Mombasa United suffered a 1-0 loss to the visitors in their league opener at Mbaraki Sports Ground in Mombasa on Wednesday, with defender Charles Momany scoring the decisive goal three minutes from time.

Moalim admitted that his side failed to play to its strengths, particularly in the first half, while also lamenting their inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities and set pieces.

"We didn't play our game, especially in the first half. We could have been more composed on the ball, and we were also not clinical with the chances and free kicks we got. But again, that was the kind of pressure that comes with the first game, and we need to improve on those aspects moving forward," said Moalim.

The coach further revealed that his team had prepared a tactical plan to counter Kakamega Homeboyz's style of play but failed to maintain concentration in the closing stages of the match.

"We knew their game plan. We defended those first and second balls very well until that goal, but again, it's a concentration issue. We need to learn and stay concentrated throughout the entire game," he added.

Meanwhile, Mombasa United captain Hakimu Msami maintained that the team had approached the encounter with confidence and a strong desire to secure maximum points, despite the disappointing outcome.

Msami urged the club's supporters to continue backing the team as they work towards improving their performances in the top-flight league.

"We were confident of getting a win, but we didn't hold on until the last minute. We still have matches to prove ourselves," said Msami.

Mombasa United will now turn their attention to their next assignment against Migori Youth, scheduled for Monday next week in Migori County, as they seek to bounce back and register their maiden victory in the Kenyan top flight.

However, the coastal side faces a potentially difficult test against a Migori Youth team that opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against 2024/2025 KPL champions Kenya Police FC on home soil.

Moalim's men will be hoping to address their late-game lapses and improve their attacking efficiency as they pursue their first points of the season.