Mombasa Stars nail first NSL win at home

Mombasa Stars registered their first National Super League (NSL) win of the season after edging out Kibera Black Stars 1-0 at Serani Sports Ground, Mombasa.

Alfred Maningi scored for the home side in the first half through a penalty to ease pressure for the Mombasa based team which had gone 5 first league games without a win.

Stars playmaker AbulraRahman Said made it possible for the home team to penetrate the Kibera Black Stars defence but failed to capitalise on the chances in the first 20 minutes of  the match.

In the 26th minute, Lucky Kaingu exchanged quick passes with AbdulRahman Said and Samson Karisa before Rodgers Okumu was fouled at the 18 yard box by Kibera Black Stars defender for a penalty.

Alfred Maningi successfully converted from the spot by sending visitors goalkeeper Joshua Keya to the opposite direction to give the host the lead.

Kibera BlackStars fought hard for an equaliser but strikers Ange Donald and James Apeth failed to restore the parity.

Kibera Blackstar had a chance to equalize in the 75th minute with a free header from Engine Ochieng, but he couldn’t capitalize.

In the last minute of the game, Victor Ochieng found himself one-on-one with the Mombasa Stars goalkeeper Iddy Rashid but failed to find the net.

Speaking after the final whistle, Mombasa Stars head coach Mohamed Hussein "Madaga” said the win was long overdue since they have been a better side in previous matches.

“Our performance today was not good, we didn't play the way we are used to but am happy we emerged with the maximum points which will open for more in the upcoming matches".

Kibera Black Stars tactician Edwin Lavatsa blamed the loss to the referees saying they were not up to task.

"It was a balanced game, we had our chances but we didn't utilise them, in the second half Stars were derailing play and the referee was awarding them so many fouls  which to us were not fouls and killed my boys effort.”

In other Saturday matches, Muhoroni Youth at home defeated Darajani Gogo 2-1 while in MachakosKenyatta Stadium Naivas were edged 2-1 by on form APS Bomet.