Mara Sugar beaten but crowned NSL champions
Mara Sugar players celebrating during National Super League crowning moment at the Dandora Stadium on Sunday 30th, June 2024. Photo by Beryl Oyoo, Citizen Digital.
Mara Sugar Football Club has officially been crowned champions as the FKF National Super League (NSL)curtains for season 2024 came down on Sunday, at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Despite a narrow 1-2 defeat to Vihiga Bullets in their last National Super League game Sunday evening, Mara Sugar's crowning moment could not be darkened as their overall season performance had already won them the title, presented at the Dandora Stadium.
Denilson Imbayi opened the scoresheet for Vihiga Bullets in the 30th minute, while Mara equalised in the 60th minute with a goal from David Owino.
The turning point of the tie came in the 71st minute when John Nyawira scored the decisive goal for Vihiga, ultimately securing the victory for his team. Despite Mara's valiant efforts to find an equalizer in the remaining minutes of the game, Vihiga managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle.
Mara Sugar coach Benedict Wanjala lauded the team for the title despite closing the season on a losing note.
"I'm happy with the good performance throughout the season, it is my first time taking a team to the Premier League and it is a major achievement. Looking forward we will plan well to compete favourably in the top league," Wanjala noted.
Meanwhile, Naivas FC finished the season in third, following their 0-1 win over SS Assad, thus booking a playoff ticket against Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka FC who finished 16th last week.
Naivas needed to win to avoid losing the playoff spot to Nairobi United, who were in contention for a third place finish going into round 38 of the NSL. Nairobi thrashed hosts Silibwet FC 0-7, but the huge win was not enough following Naivas; win.
Runners up Mathare United beat Mombasa Stars 2-0 to mark their return to the Premier League in style, while Migori Youth sunk Rainbow FC 3-0 in another season-ender.
In Mombasa at the Serani Grounds, Mombasa Elite were held to a one all draw by Mulembe United to survive in the National Super League (NSL) next season.
Lawrence Okoth scored for Elite in the first half while Brandon Mwelesa equalized for visitors Mulembe United.
Elite got the opener at the first quarter of the match through Lawrence Okoth's header after connecting with Fred Odhiambo's corner kick.
Ten minutes into the second half, Mwelesa connected Goodrick Kaduka's corner to restore parity, a scoreline that would stand to the last whistle.
Mombasa Elite head coach Patrick Nyale was happy for retaining Mombasa Elite in the NSL despite having to fight to the last day.
"No opponent will give you free points, so we prepared well for the match. The boys gave their all although we lost many chances in the first minutes of the game. I'm happy we have ended the league well and now focused on strengthening our team for a new season," said Nyale.
On his side, Milton Odera Mulembe, United assistant coach, said an away point against Elite was to be celebrated.
"We wanted the three points to end our season on the right side but I'm happy for my players for fighting hard despite the financial challenges we have been facing. We have finished the season and now we have a chance to regroup for a better next season."
Report by Mark Mutuku and Beryl Oyoo
Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a Comment