Naivas edge Mombasa Stars to boost FKF-PL promotion hopes

The retailers moved within three points of National Super League (NSL) second-placed APS Bomet, who will be back in action over the weekend as the race for topflight football intensifies with nine matches left for play.

The third win on the bounce saw the Elvis Ayani-coached side amass 49 points, three below APS Bomet and ten adrift of runaway leaders Nairobi United.

Elsewhere, Kisumu All Stars pulled off a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mombasa United in another tense midweek NSL clash at Serani Sports Ground in Mombasa.

Substitute Christopher Onyango scored a last gasp to give the visitors maximum points.

The match, played under coastal heat and mounting pressure, saw Mombasa United dominate for large periods but failed to convert a host of clear chances.

United’s frontline duo, Jack Watee and Bakari Nyae, wasted early opportunities to put their side ahead, missing gilt-edged chances within the opening 20 minutes.

The home side remained relentless, with veteran midfielder Wilberforce Lugogo and the ever-threatening Nyae testing Kisumu’s shot-stopper David Obonyo. However, Obonyo stood tall between the sticks, keeping the scoreline level at the break.

The second half began with urgency, as Watee set up Sammy Riziki in the area just seconds in, but the midfielder ballooned his effort over the bar.

Kisumu had their moments too—Atito Kevin squandered two chances late on—but it was the visitors who would have the last laugh.

Deep into stoppage time, Christopher Onyango—introduced late in the second half—latched onto a loose ball and drilled a low effort past United goalkeeper Kevin Tila, sending the Kisumu bench into wild celebrations.

It was Kisumu’s only shot on target—and it proved decisive.

There was nearly a twist in the tale as Mombasa United launched one final assault. In the dying seconds, Watee failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Answar Shamuni, ending United’s five-match unbeaten run in heartbreaking fashion.

Speaking after the match, a visibly frustrated Mombasa United head coach Ahmed Said lamented his side’s missed chances.

“We were in control, created more than enough opportunities to kill the game, but football punishes wastefulness. One shot on target, one goal. That’s how cruel this game can be.”

On the other hand, Kisumu All Stars head coach Charles Bruno praised his team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

“This was a hard-fought win. We arrived in Mombasa at 10 AM, barely had time to rest or eat properly. We’re struggling financially—I was the coach, team manager, and even the doctor right now. But I told the boys to fight, and they did exactly that.”