Nairobi United, Mara Sugar share spoils at Kasarani

Kevin Wangaya fired Naibois ahead with a well-taken goal, sending the home fans into celebration.

However, Alex Imbusia struck a late equaliser in the 88th minute to rescue a precious point for the visitors in a tense mid-table showdown that had been rescheduled from February.

The result lifts Nairobi United to 35 points, but they remain in 10th place, still behind Tusker FC, who sit on 37 points.

Mara Sugar moved up to 31 points but stayed 12th in the standings.

Nairobi United head coach Godfrey Oduor could not hide his disappointment at the late collapse.

“I think we controlled the game, got a goal then failed to prevent a goal at the most crucial time so it's a disappointing result although we are grateful for the point and the effort the boys put in,” said Oduor.

He admitted the dropped points were worrying as the team had targeted a win to push further up the standings.

"To be honest the two points we've lost worries us a bit because we wanted to win to be able to climb up the table," he added, stressing the urgent need to improve both scoring and defensive solidity.

His Mara Sugar opposite number Francis Xavier, was equally frustrated with his side’s missed opportunities but accepted the point as valuable in the current tight competition.

“I’m not really satisfied but I still appreciate one point because it is critical considering the kind of competition we have in the Premier League now,” said Xavier.

“Missed chances are still haunting us. It is an area we need to urgently address.”

Nairobi United and Mara Sugar will now turn their attention to the next fixtures with the clear message that consistency and clinical finishing will be the difference between climbing the table and slipping further down.