Kisumu Allstars, Darajani Gogo and MCF’s NSL relegation battle set for dramatic final chapter

With the curtains falling on the second-tier league’s 2025/2026 season this Saturday, it is all to play for as neither side has managed to secure their survival, and the outcomes remain firmly in the balance.

While Vihiga United and Mwatate United’s fates are already sealed in the relegation zone, one final slot remains ahead of the final day, with all matches scheduled to kick off from 2PM.

It is a straight, nerve-wracking battle for survival between Kisumu Allstars who currently sit at position 16 with 36 points just a point ahead of Darajani Gogo who sit at position 17 with 35 points and two points ahead of MCF FC at position 18 with 34 points.

With only two points separating 16th and 18th place, any slip-up this Saturday will be fatal.

Citizen Digital caught up with the tacticians steering the ships at Kisumu Allstars and MCF FC ahead of their season-defining fixtures.

Sitting precariously in 16th place, Kisumu Allstars just need a win to secure safety when they host relegated Vihiga United at the Kodiaga Prisons Grounds in Kisumu.

The Kisumu Allstars head coach Rashid Ochieng’ emphasized that complacency is their biggest enemy.

"We know exactly what is at stake. Because FKF removed the safety net of the playoffs, we cannot afford to look at what Darajani Gogo or MCF are doing. We are treating the match against Vihiga United like a cup final. The boys are motivated, we have the home advantage, and we intend to keep our NSL status right here in Kisumu."

On the other hand, the task is significantly steeper for MCF FC, who currently occupy the dreaded 18th spot with 34 points as they host 6th-placed Fortune Sacco at their homeground, MCF Sports Complex in Mdalani.

The MCF FC boss Francis Chege was defiant but realistic about the uphill battle ahead.

“It’s an uncomfortable position to be in, depending on results elsewhere, but our primary job is to win our game against Fortune Sacco. The scrapping of the playoffs means there is no second chance. We have worked hard on our finishing this week, and the spirit in camp is high. We will fight until the final whistle blows and hope the football gods smile on us.”

He also pointed out financial crises as one of the reasons behind the team’s poor performance this season as they were forced to use junior academy players and even some technical staff returned to the pitch in the efforts of making sure the club stands.

“Many players left the team since it was dieing,”Chege stated, “second leg we have mostly used the academy boys and even some technical bench member we returned them to play,” He added.

Darajani Gogo travel to Karen to face Nairobi City Stars at the Gems Cambridge grounds. Caught right in the middle of the storm, a draw might not even be enough for Gogo if MCF wins due to goal difference permutations, making their Nairobi derby a must-win.

It isn't just the bottom of the table generating heat. At the pinnacle of the log, Migori Youth will receive a guard of honour from third-placed 3K FC as they aim to crown their stellar season as champions at the Moi Stadium in Embu where later they will be handed over the trophy.

Nairobi City Stars will host Darajani Gogo at Gems Cambridge, while Luanda Villa takes on Soy United at Mumboha Grounds.

Nzoia Sugar FC welcomes Kibera Blackstars to Sudi Stadium, and 3K FC faces Migori Youth at Moi Stadium in Embu.

Kisumu Allstars will battle Vihiga United at the Kodiaga Prisons Grounds, Naivas FC will meet Mombasa United at Dandora Stadium, and MOFA FC hosts Kabati Youth FC at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

Additionally, Equity Bank FC will play Mwatate United at Utalii Grounds, MCF FC take on Fortune Sacco FC at the MCF Sports Complex, and Gucha Stars FC face FC Talanta at Green Stadium in Awendo.