NSL Saturday: Fortune Rises, Naivas Stalls, and Mombasa Stars Shine

Naivas FC 2–2 Darajani Gogo

Promotion hopefuls Naivas FC were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after twice coming from behind against a spirited Darajani Gogo.

Darajani stunned the hosts early when Steve Austin found the net in the 3rd minute. Naivas responded through a penalty converted by Robert Karisa after sustained pressure.

But parity didn’t last. A second penalty—this time awarded to Gogo—was calmly slotted home by Veron Ombima, restoring the visitors’ lead before halftime.

Naivas regrouped and came out with purpose. Newton Ochieng levelled matters in the 61st minute, but despite late chances, both sides shared the spoils.

Naivas coach Anthony Kimani lamented the dropped points:

Every game now feels like a final. We can’t afford to lose focus like we did today.

Nzoia Sugar 1–1 3K FC

At Bungoma’s Sudi Stadium, Nzoia Sugar avoided defeat but couldn’t deliver the win their fans craved, drawing 1-1 with 3K FC.

In a balanced affair, both sides created chances but lacked the final product. Nzoia drew first blood in the 38th minute through a powerful header by David Shikanda, sending the home fans into song.

But 3K FC responded almost immediately, with a well-placed finish from Collins Mutua after a defensive lapse just before halftime.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the second half despite late efforts. The result leaves Nzoia hovering mid-table and 3K FC slightly better off, both needing strong finishes to the season.

Fortune Sacco 2–1 MCF

Fortune Sacco edged out Modern Coast Footballers (MCF) in a tense 2-1 win that keeps their top-four dreams alive.

The hosts struck early through Kennedy Mwaura, who latched onto a looping cross in the 4th minute. But MCF fought back, equalising before the break via Kevin Wabwire’s curling effort.

The second half saw a more determined Fortune side, and their persistence paid off when Elvis Mugane tucked in what would prove to be the winner in the 65th minute.

MCF mounted late pressure but couldn’t find a second goal, with goalkeeper Brian Kariuki making a crucial save in the dying moments.

Mombasa Stars 3–1 Kisumu All-Stars

Mombasa Stars showed class and character to overturn a shaky start and beat a travel-weary Kisumu All-Stars 3-1.

Kisumu started brightly and took a deserved lead through Japeth Onyango, who finished cleverly off an Emmanuel Juma cross in the 11th minute.

But Hosea Ballack sparked the comeback, levelling in the 30th minute with a poacher’s finish. He was unlucky not to have scored earlier after hitting the post.

The second half belonged to the home side. Mwema Mwanzah made it 2-1 following a blunder from Kisumu keeper David Obonyo, and Ballack sealed the result with a stunning long-range effort in the 75th minute.

Post-match, Kisumu coach Charles Warinda revealed the team’s off-pitch struggles:

We barely arrived in time. These boys played with heart despite everything.

Mombasa Stars boss Hussein Madaga credited his squad’s resilience:

We needed this. We’ve been fighting for consistency, and today we showed belief.