Selebwa salutes opponents Black Stars despite loss

Luanda Villa FC coach Gilbert Selebwa has admitted visitors Kibera Black Stars were the better side despite their 0-1 loss to his charges, in their National Super League season opener on Saturday.

Substitute Harrison Tiema was the hero of the match, as he scored the lone goal in the 88th to ensure Villa bagged maximum points, at the Mumboha Grounds.

Selebwa lauded Kibera saying they were more organised than his charges, but claimed credit for "getting it right" in his game management, especially by effecting effectual substitutions.

“Kibera are more experienced than Luanda Villa having been in the National Super League for the longest, with players who have also featured in the top tier league. They were more organised than us but when I changed the system of play with the super sub Tiema coming to make the whole difference. We are here rejoicing in victory,” Selebwa said.

Selebwa however was left with more questions to answer having seen his side's performance, ahead of their second match away to 3K FC.

“Our next assignment is against 3K FC of Embu. You cannot wish them away this being their first time in the National Super League. I know their aim will be to impress their fans but my desire is that we extend today's victory through the next weekend. To do that, we have to polish some areas I felt we did not give what I expected,” added the former AFC Leopards coach.

On the other hand, Edwin Lavatsa, Assistant Coach Kibera Black Stars, has attributed their away loss to concentration lapses in critical moments of the game.

“Lack of concentration in the dying minutes of the game cost us big time. We dominated the game but could not convert our chances, which I believe would have given us victory had we been clinical,” said the former Gor Mahia player.

Lavatsa is however unbowed, and has challenged his players to positively react to the "narrow loss."

“Despite the loss, I'm confident we have all it takes to lift the NSL title this season. We are going to help players sharpen their skills when it comes to reacting to second balls which I saw is a challenge, and I hope we will be better by the time we play our next match,” he added.

In other results NSL on Saturday, Nzoia Sugar were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Fortune Sacco, as Dimba Patriots edged hosts Muhoroni Youth 0-1.

APS Bomet beat Modern Coast Rangers 2-0, MOFA edged hosts Naivas 0-1 while Darajani Gogo of Kibera won against Migori Youth with a similar score.