Mombasa Stars fall to Migori Youth as relegation battle intensifies

Paul Okoth starred for the visitors, scoring both goals, while Mwanzah Mwema netted the lone goal for Mombasa Stars.

Migori Youth took an early lead in the fourth minute when Okoth rose high to head in Kevin Hagai's cross, beating Mombasa Stars goalkeeper Ally Omeyat.

The hosts pressed for an equalizer, with Rodgers Okumu and Ballack Hosea coming close in the first half, but neither could convert their chances.

In the 32nd minute, Mombasa Stars leveled the score through Mwema, who finished clinically after a quick exchange of passes with Abdulrahman Said and Lucky Kaingu. Kaingu set up Mwema with a well-placed pass, and the midfielder made no mistake, firing past Migori goalkeeper Victor Kamungo.

The visitors struggled with the sweltering Mombasa heat and were forced into three quick substitutions, bringing on Churchill Otieno, Emmanuel Nyakiha, and Lucky Musyoki. Their impact was almost immediate, with Otieno and Okoth both missing clear chances to restore Migori’s lead before halftime.

Mombasa Stars dominated possession in the second half, pushing for a winner. Striker Ballack and midfielder Abdulrahman tested Kamungo, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

In stoppage time, Okoth secured victory for Migori Youth with a stunning 25-yard strike that flew past Omeyat, who had been Mombasa’s standout performer throughout the match.

Frustrated by the result, Mombasa Stars head coach Hussein Madaga lamented his team’s missed chances.

“We are in trouble; we must change things now. We had numerous chances to win, but we didn’t capitalize,” Madaga said.

Meanwhile, Migori Youth’s coach, Michael Otieno, was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after their first-half adjustments.

“It was a tough match. We didn’t expect this result, considering how we performed against them at home. I had to make early changes to tighten our defense and limit their attacks,” Otieno explained.

Elsewhere, at Ukunda Showgrounds in Kwale County, Mombasa United staged a remarkable comeback to defeat bottom-placed SS Assad 3-2 after trailing 2-1 at halftime.

Chaka Bakari put Assad ahead in the first minute, but the home side responded with a brace from Bockins Adeya just before the break.

In the second half, Mombasa United piled on the pressure, and their persistence paid off when Wilberforce Lugogo converted a penalty in the 76th minute to make it 2-2. Then, with just eight minutes remaining, Masha Sammy netted the winner, sealing a dramatic victory for Mombasa United.