NSL: Msa United, Msa Stars fire blanks; Fortune sink Assad

Mombasa Stars and Mombasa United played to a barren draw in closely contested National Super League (NSL) Mombasa derby on Sunday at the Serani Sports Club.

Both teams lost many chances to get the winner as strikers from both sides failed to capitalise on chances they got. 

Speaking to journalists after the match, Mombasa Stars head coach Hussein ‘Madaga’ Mohammed congratulated his players, saying they played according to the plan.

"We dominated the match, unfortunately we didn't score. They came to defend and I’m sure they are happy for the one point – being a derby,” averred Madaga.  

His counterpart Said, said was equally satisfied, noting that they had better moments than their opponents.

"It has been an outstanding derby, the game was very beautiful and both teams showed a good football. I know the big crowd was amused by the talents we have, which is a plus for football when people can watch a good match," observed Said.

-  A promising note –

Mombasa United started the match on a promising note, Ramadhan Mwanzia picking a loose ball in the 18-yard box in fourth minute before firing a strong shot that was saved goalkeeper Iddi Rashid for a corner-kick.

A minute later, former Bandari FC striker Yema Mwamba collected a loose back ball and went past Stars goalkeeper Rashid, but tripped down before pulling the trigger – into an empty net.

Stars were forced to make a change in the 25th minute when Emmanuel Nyamawi was introduced to replace injured Rodgers Okumu.

Five minutes later, Nyamawi made first attempt for Stars heading Abdalla Ali’s cross, but calmly saved by United’s goalkeeper Kevin Tila.

Mombasa United coach Hamadi Said was sent off in the 38th minute after an altercation with centre referee Elijah Nyamwaka.

Lucky Kaingu missed narrowly at the stroke of halftime, his powerful header flying inches off target.

In the first 20 minutes of the second half, both teams played safe with most action at the midfield. With only 10 minutes to go, Stars captain Kevin Washe thumped a powerful 25-yard free-kick, well beating the keeper but flew over the crossbar.

Mombasa Stars substitute Sammy Dzombo lost a glorious chance after finding himself in the box, doing all the work but beating the goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, Fortune Sacco moved to the top of the NSL log after a 1-0 win against struggling SS Assad, away at the Ukunda Showground.

The lone goal was scored by Elias Mugane in added time, Fortune extending their winning streak to five consecutive matches.

NSL ROUND 9 FULL RESULTS

SS Assad 0-1 Fortune Sacco

MOFA 1- 2 Migori Youth 

Mombasa Stars 0-0 Mombasa United

Samwest 0-1 Nzoia Sugar 

Dimba Patriots 0-2 3K FC

Vhga United 1-2 Darajani Gogo

Nairobi United 1-0 APS Bomet

Muhoroni Youth 0-0 Kisumu All Stars

Naivas FC 0-0 Kibera Black Stars