NSL: APS Bomet rise to second, Mombasa United thrash Luanda Villa

Team captain Daniel Odhiambo opened the scoring, while Lawrence Kibet sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, lifting APS Bomet to 52 points - six behind league leaders Nairobi United and two ahead of third-placed Naivas FC.

Meanwhile, at Serani Sports Ground, Mombasa United bounced back from two consecutive defeats with an emphatic 3-1 win over Luanda Villa. A brace from Bakari Nyae and a goal by Khamis Nyale gave the coastal side all three points. Luanda Villa's only goal came from Fidel Omondi in the second half.

Mombasa United dominated early proceedings and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Nyae headed in Omar Ateek’s free-kick to break the deadlock. Just a minute later, Paul Osama unleashed a powerful 18-yard shot, but Luanda Villa goalkeeper Josiah Ogemba made a sharp save to deny a second goal.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 22nd minute as Nyale pounced on a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted it into the bottom corner. Mombasa's relentless pressure continued, and in the 35th minute, Nyae grabbed his second by beating the high defensive line and slotting home a near-post finish from Renson Wakalo’s splitting pass.

Luanda Villa made three substitutions just before halftime, bringing on Tairus Nato, Abner Aweyo, and Gideon Manayi for Sammy Indonyi, George Odiwuor, and Lemmy Menza. Despite the changes, they trailed 3-0 at halftime and had not registered a single shot on target in the first half.

Villa pulled one back in the 60th minute through Fidel Omondi, who tapped into an empty net after a defensive mix-up between United goalkeeper Kevin Tila and defender David Wanyama.

Controversy struck in the 83rd minute when Luanda Villa players protested what they claimed was a disallowed goal. The first assistant referee flagged it off, leading to a heated dispute. The center referee eventually called off the match before full time.

Speaking after the match, a frustrated Luanda Villa head coach Leonard Saleh voiced his concerns.

“We were fatigued from the long journey, which cost us with three quick goals in the first half. We improved in the second half and even scored, but the match ended prematurely. I believe the assistant referee made an error, but we’ll wait for FKF's verdict,” said Saleh.

Mombasa United head coach Hamadi Said was pleased with his team’s performance and emphasised the importance of the win.

“This was a must-win match for us after two losses. I'm happy we’ve collected maximum points and moved up the NSL standings,” he said.