Nyamawi the hero as Mombasa Stars edge Luanda Villa 1-0

Mombasa Stars secured a 1-0 win over Luanda Villa in a closely contested National Super League (NSL) match played at the Serani Sports Grounds in Mombasa on Sunday.

Emmanuel Nyamawi scored the only goal of the match for Mombasa Stars in eighth minute after collecting a loose ball in the box, to calmly beat Luanda goalkeeper Richard Ebenyo.

Two minutes later, Stars' Rodgers Okumu found the back of the net after connecting Nyamawi's cross, but he was flagged offside.

Luanda Villa settled back into the match, locking their first shot on target in the 14th minute through Clinton Odiwuor, who was however denied by goalkeeper Iddi Rashid for a corner.

In the second half, Masudi Chirungu was introduced to pair up with Nyamawi in the striking department.

Stars Mwema Mwanzah lost another glorious chance to double their lead in 69th minute after he was set to a one on one with Villa keeper by midfielder Maningi Alfred, but his shot lost direction for a goal kick.

Visitors Luanda worked tirelessly for an equaliser but were not clinical enough to convert the chances they got, losing the points.

Speaking after the match, Luanda Villa Head Coach Gilbert Selebwa said they had an upper hand to get a win.

"We allowed them to score early into the game but we settled well and I believe we should have been awarded two penalties, but that's how football is.  We go back to the drawing board and focus on the next assignment," said Selebwa.

On his side Mohammed 'Madaga' Hussein congratulated his players for playing their hearts out to bag the win.

"It was a tough match, we are looking for a rhythm and I believe after this win the boys will have a motivation as we plan to take on Kisumu All Stars next weekend." 

Mombasa Stars are now out of the relegation zone, 17th in the log with 12 points.