Mombasa United edge Talanta to return to winning ways

Fidel Omondi and Neville Amwai struck for the hosts, while Brian Lusamukha netted Talanta’s lone goal.

Talanta started brightly, carving out early chances through Alex Kipruto and Lusamukha, but failed to make them count.

 United settled after the quarter-hour mark and broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Omondi latched onto a neat pass from Nehemiah Omchiri and fired a low, powerful shot past goalkeeper Peter Juma.

Just a minute later, Felix Ochieng nearly doubled the lead, but his effort sailed over the bar.

Talanta equalised in the 33rd minute, Lusamukha tapping into an empty net after Kipruto did the “donkey work” down the right flank, weaving past defenders before delivering a teasing cross.

The sides went into halftime locked at 1–1.

United emerged sharper in the second half and reclaimed the lead 15 minutes after the restart. Amwai danced past the Talanta defence and slipped a low shot beyond Juma to put the hosts back in front.

Talanta’s hopes faded five minutes from time when captain Kevin Odongo was sent off for a dangerous foul on winger Ochieng, leaving the visitors to finish with 10 men.

United held firm to secure the win, bouncing back after consecutive away defeats to MOFA and Nairobi City Stars.

After the match, Mombasa United head coach Gilbert Selebwa applauded his team’s resilience.

“We’ve faced extreme sides, Nairobi City Stars and now Talanta. They’re much more experienced, but I’m happy we were able to take all three points,” Selebwa said.

Talanta coach Jackson Gatheru, however, directed his frustration at the match officials.

“We played well, but FKF must look closely at the officiating. There’s no way referees, including the match commissioner, can come in with a fixed mindset. We’re sliding back into ancient times, and it must be addressed,” he said.‎