Naivas drop points, Mombasa Stars bag win

Naivas FC dropped crucial points in their push for promotion to the Kenya Premier League after being held to a 2-2 draw by Darajani Gogo in a National Super League match played Saturday morning at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County.

Darajani Gogo opened the scoring early through Steve Austin, but Naivas equalized via a penalty converted by Robert Karisa.

Veron Obina restored Gogo’s lead in the 26th minute, only for Newton Ochieng to level for Naivas in the 63rd minute, securing a point for the promotion-chasing side.

Meanwhile, at Serani Sports Ground in Mombasa, Mombasa Stars secured a 3-1 win over financially troubled Kisumu All Stars.

Hosea Ballack was the standout performer for Stars, scoring twice, while Mwema Mwanzah added a third. Japeth Onyango netted the lone goal for Kisumu All Stars.

Despite starting strongly, Mombasa Stars lacked composure in the opening 10 minutes. Samson Karisa and Rodgers Okumu had early chances but failed to convert.

Kisumu All Stars capitalized in the 11th minute when Japeth Onyango cleverly chipped over the Stars' defense from an Emmanuel Juma cross to beat goalkeeper William Mandanda.

Stars almost responded immediately through Ballack, whose shot deflected off the post before his rebound sailed over the bar. He later made amends in the 30th minute by pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area to level the match.

The first half ended 1-1, but Mombasa Stars returned stronger in the second half. In the 58th minute, Mwema Mwanzah capitalized on a goalkeeper error by David Obonyo to slot home and put Stars ahead.

In the 75th minute, Ballack sealed the victory with a well-placed shot from outside the box, assisted by Said Abdulrahman, ensuring a vital win for the hosts.

Kisumu All Stars coach Charles Warinda pointed to the team's financial difficulties as a major factor in the defeat.

“Today was extremely tough. We arrived just minutes before the kickoff. The players gave their all despite the circumstances, and I commend them. We were close to not showing up at all,” he said.

Mombasa Stars head coach Hussein Madaga praised his team’s effort: “It was a tough match, but we made key adjustments. I'm proud we secured the three points. This is the beginning of our climb out of danger,” he stated.