Mombasa Stars relegated after defeat at Serani

Mombasa Stars were relegated from the National Super League (NSL) on Saturday afternoon following a narrow 1-0 loss to Samwest Blackboots FC at the Serani Sports Ground in Mombasa.

The decisive goal came in the first half courtesy of Steve Nyagoi, who struck from long range to secure a crucial three points for the visitors and condemn Stars to Division One football next season.

Samwest began the match on the front foot, with early chances from forwards Timothy NdaYala and Alex Imbusia, both of whom were denied by Mombasa Stars goalkeeper William Mandanda.

Stars responded in the 25th minute, with striker Salim Athman registering their first shot on target, only to be thwarted by Samwest goalkeeper Stephen Lirondo.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Nyagoi capitalized on a short corner, unleashing a powerful 30-yard drive that found the bottom corner of the net.

Despite persistent pressure in search of an equalizer, Mombasa Stars went into halftime trailing by a goal.

The second half saw Stars continue to push forward, with Said Abdulrahman and Emmanuel Nyamawi both missing clear-cut chances to level the score. Samwest nearly doubled their lead in the 75th minute, but Lumumba Hosea missed from close range, sending his effort over the bar.

After the final whistle, a visibly disappointed Mombasa Stars head coach Hussein Madaga spoke to Citizen Digital, lamenting missed opportunities.

"Our players gave their best and played well, but luck just wasn’t on our side. We’ll now have to wait and see what’s next for the team," Madaga said.

In contrast, Samwest Blackboots FC head coach Gilbert Selebwa welcomed the much-needed win after a string of poor results.

"We were coming off three consecutive defeats, so this victory means a lot. It gives us a chance to finish the season on a high and start preparing for the next campaign," said Selebwa.

Elsewhere in Kwale County, Mombasa United ensured their survival with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Kibera Blackstars at Ukunda Showground.

Paul Osama was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick, while Bakare Nyae added the fourth goal.

The win saw Mombasa United finish 16th with 37 points, narrowly avoiding relegation. Meanwhile, Mombasa Stars concluded their campaign in 17th place with 33 points, sealing their drop to Division One.