Toeri double hands Okidi first win as Mombasa United sink City Stars

A first-half brace from Dennis Toeri proved enough for the hosts, while Joseph Muriuki pulled one back for City Stars before the break.

United started brightly, with midfielder Christian Zigah and striker Samuel Atta both missing early opportunities inside the opening five minutes as City Stars goalkeeper Arnold Shivachi produced fine saves to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough finally came in the 8th minute when Dennis Toeri calmly finished off a killer pass from Peter Oudu to hand the hosts the lead.

Nairobi City Stars nearly responded immediately through James Kibande, whose powerful 30-yard strike forced a composed save from United goalkeeper Kevin Tila.

Mombasa United doubled their advantage in the 21st minute after Clinton Odiwuor was brought down inside the box. Toeri stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his second goal of the afternoon.

The home side continued to press for more goals before halftime, but Felix Ochieng, Samuel Atta, and Jackson Watee all failed to convert promising chances.

City Stars, however, reduced the deficit with virtually the last kick of the first half when Joseph Muriuki headed home from a well-delivered cross by Bernard Odhiambo to send the match into the break at 2-1.

After the restart, substitute striker David Mayson came close to extending United’s lead just after the hour mark, but his looping effort sailed over the target.

The visitors grew into the game in the closing stages and created several chances in search of an equaliser, but Kevin Tila stood firm with a series of crucial saves to secure Peter Okidi’s first victory as Mombasa United head coach.

Speaking after the match, Okidi expressed his delight with the result.

“I am very happy for that win, my first win here. It was a hard match, keeping in mind that we were playing a side with nothing to lose. We really needed the maximum points plus a good goal difference, but we had to settle for the two goals.”

On the other hand, Nairobi City Stars team manager Calvins Masawa was left frustrated by the officiating.

“The referee carried the day. We prepared our team well, and we didn’t want any favour from the referee, but all said and done, we will bounce back against MCF at home.”

The crucial victory also cemented Mombasa United’s place in the league’s top three alongside Migori Youth and 3K FC as the National Super League enters its decisive final stretch.