Mombasa United survive 3K scare to draw 1-1

Embu-based 3K FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Mombasa United in an National Super League tie held Mombasa’s Serani Sports Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

Glen Githinji scored for 3K while former Bandari FC striker Wilberforce Lugogo equalised for Mombasa United.

Speaking after the match, Mombasa United coach Hamadi Said showed gratitude despite failing to win at home.

"We had a plan, we played well but we didn't get the maximum points we would have wanted. I’m however happy with how we played," said Said.

His counterpart Francis Chege of 3K blamed the referees for what he termed as a cheap penalty awarded against them.

"We were in control of the game, for the most of the time. I feel that penalty was too easy to give, it changed everything because some of these away matches you win with slim margins. We will however regroup and come back strong," Chege observed.

From the result, 3K are now fourth with 19 points, from 11 matches while Mombasa are 12th.

In the other results, Nairobi United were held to a 1-1 draw by Samwest FC, Migori edged Dimba Patriots 1-0, visitors Luanda Villa beat SS Assad 1-2, Fortune Sacco settled for a 1-1 draw with Kibera while Kisumu All-Stars beat MOFA 3-1.

- Sipped the Pressure -

Mombasa dominated the first 20 minutes of the game, but 3K sipped the pressure and took control of the match to the end.

Githinji gave 3K the opener in the 26th minute, tapping into an empty net from Ian Owiti’s cross, with the goalkeeper out of place.

Three minutes later, Yema Mwamba almost equalised for the home side, connecting Lugogo’s free-kick ball with a cleaver header, agonisingly inches over the top bar.

Just five minutes to top of first half, a hardworking Lugogo got the equaliser from the spot after Jack Watee was fouled in the 18-yard box by Daniel Wanjala. Thus, the teams headed for the halftime break tied at 1-1.

There was little to show at both ends of the goal in the early spell of the second half, as the teams appeared more cautious.

However, it was the visitors who showed more determination to win, with Ian Owiti coming close only to be denied by Swaleh Chacha who deflected his powerful shot for a corner.