>>BY ERIC OCHIENG >>
The much awaited National Super League (NSL) Mombasa (Coastal) derby ended in a barren draw as Hussein Madaga’s Mombasa stars defended for 90 minutes to prevent their hosts from scoring at Serani grounds.
Mombasa united had several chances to score but were unable to put one past their neighbours. Madaga’s side, however, had only fewer chances despite their steller performance, the best by Mombasa stars so far this season.
Speaking to Baraka FM after the match, Mombasa Stars head coach Hussein Madaga said his players showed resilience throughout the match and stuck to the plan.
“We were the better team, unfortunately couldn’t get on the scoreboard, but we will work on it, for now we focus on the next match, also my defence is at its best for now. One point in a derby isn’t bad but i guess the home team is happier,” said Madaga.
On the other hand his counterpart Said, was contented , saying that they had better moments than their opponents.
“It has been an electric derby, full of emotions, the game was very entertaining and both teams showed a good football. A point at home not bad, now is time to focus for the next match, which will still be a derby,” said Said.
Mombasa stars started the match with high pressing tempo which nearly bore fruits in the 34th second of the game when team captain Kevin Washe long range shot went out of target.
One minute later Mombasa United’s attacker Ramadhan Mwanzia acrobatic shot was saved by goalkeeper Iddi Rashid for a corner kick after picking a loose ball in the opponents box.
Mombasa United attacking resilience saw Yema Mwamba, former Bandari FC striker, dribbling past the keeper but unable to put the ball in the net after pouncing on a back pass from Lucky Kaingu.
In the 19th minute, Mombasa Stars coach was forced to make a substitution to bring in Emmanuel Nyamawi after veteran attacker Rodgers Okumu picked a thigh injury.
Upon his introduction Nyamawi connected Abdhallah Ali’s cross with a header but it did not have enough strength to go past goalkeeper Tila who dealt with it calmly.
In the 45th minute of the 1st half, a beautiful cross from Mombasa Stars Ghalib Ali found Lucky Kaingu in the opponents box but his header went wide thus killing the hopes of taking the lead in the derby.
A long period of second half saw both teams being more tactical in defensive aspect with less attack while a lot of duels were spotted in the midfield where each team wanted to dominate and take control of the game.
10 minutes to the final whistle Mombasa Stars got a free kick at the edge of the opponents box but Kevin Washe efforts hit the wall.
In the 83rd minute Mombasa United coach Hamadi Said was sent off after an altercation with centre referee Elijah Nyamwaka.
The draw keeps Mombasa United 11th in table standings with 11 points while Mombasa Stars stay in the relegation zone with 8 points.
Elsewhere, Assad’s misery continued with a home defeat by Fortune Sacco who moved top of the NSL log after a 1-0 win at the Ukunda Showground.
Elias Mugane scored the lone goal in the stoppage time, thus Fortune extending their winning streak to
five consecutive matches.
NSL ROUND 9 FULL RESULTS
SS Assad 0-1 Fortune Sacco
MOFA 1- 2 Migori Youth
Vihga United 1-2 Darajani Gogo
Muhoroni Youth 0-0 Kisumu All Stars
Naivas FC 0-0 Kibera Black Stars
Dimba Patriots 0-2 3K FC
Nairobi United 1-0 APS Bomet
Samwest 0-1 Nzoia Sugar
