Resilient Nzoia Sugar battle to secure vital point in Mombasa

Cash-strapped Nzoia Sugar pulled off a dramatic comeback to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Mombasa Stars in a National Super League (NSL) clash at Serani Sports Ground.

Despite going two goals down, the Bungoma-based side showed grit and determination to claw their way back, with late goals from Elisha Wekesa and Ali Sharif salvaging a crucial point on the road.

Mombasa Stars started brightly, with defender Eddy Oloo opening the scoring in the 9th minute after linking up well with Ali Ghalib. The hosts dominated the entire first half, creating numerous chances, though strikers Ballack Hosea and Emmanuel Nyamawi failed to convert.

A weary Nzoia Sugar side, struggling both physically and financially, failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Stars doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half when Derrick Hosea latched onto another precise cross from Ali Ghalib, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

However, Nzoia Sugar’s late surge began in the 83rd minute when Wekesa capitalized on a defensive blunder to tap home from close range, injecting life into the visitors.

In stoppage time, another defensive lapse by Stars allowed Ali Sharif to sneak in a low shot past goalkeeper William Mandanda, leveling the match and stunning the home crowd.

After the match, Nzoia Sugar’s player-coach Peter Juma praised his team’s fighting spirit, dedicating the point to fans who had contributed funds to help the team travel.

“We gave it our all. There was pressure to honor our supporters and everyone who helped us make this trip. We only arrived in Mombasa at 10AM, and though we started sluggish, the boys dug deep and earned a valuable point,” said Juma.

Earlier at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Mombasa United and MCF FC played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter.