Murang’a Seal now one point away from FKFPL promotion after narrow victory

© Murang'a Seal

NSL: Murang’a Seal now one point away from FKFPL promotion after narrow victory

Festus Chuma 15:30 - 18.06.2023

The Central-Kenya side needs only one point in the remaining three matches to get promoted to FKF Premier League.

Muranga' Seal are one foot away from promotion to the FKF Premier League following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coastal Heroes in a match played at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.

As the game commenced, Coastal Heroes and Muranga immediately battled for the ball in the middle of the park as the feeling-out process got underway.

With very little to separate the two teams in the opening 10 minutes of the encounter, it was Murang'a who edged the home side in the ball possession count.

After 15 minutes on the clock, Heroes were reduced to hitting Seal on the counterattack, as the Mombasa-based side looked dangerous in attacking positions.

Heroes gained confidence as the tie progressed and began seeing more of the ball after 20 minutes played. With each attacking move from the home team, Seal often found themselves sitting back in soaking up the pressure.

As the 30-minute mark approached, Murang'a began dominating the match with the hosts struggling to get out of their own half.

The Central-Kenya outfit's pressure paid off in the 44th minute as Yusuf Ali's shot from outside of the penalty area managed to find the back of the net, much to the dismay of Nwabili in goal.

With the referee calling time on the first 45, Murang'a headed into the break holding a slender 1-0 lead.

In reshuffling their packs, both teams made changes at the introduction of the second half. 

An animated Vincent Nyaberi continued to rally his troops from the sidelines, with Murang'a getting the subsequent 45 off on a positive note.

After an hour of football played, Seal continued to make way in the opposition half while Coastal Heroes responded with attacks of their own. 

Heroes thought they were back in the game, only for Ghalib Ali's effort to be ruled out for offside before Wilson Mwangi produced a save out of the top drawer to keep out Kevin Wache's rasping effort.

Seals then went close to adding their second in the 70th minute from a corner, which was glanced across the face of the goal by John Kiplagat and Gideon Were forced Said Dhadho into a save with an effort from inside the area.

Abdulrahman Abdallah was introduced by Coastal Heroes coach Mohamed Mchule as the hosts looked for an equalizer in the closing stages of the match.

However, the visitors stood firm at the back in the dying minutes of the match and ultimately, Muranga' Seal ran out 1-0 winners over Coastal Heroes.

How they lined up:

Murang'a Seal: Wilson Mwangi, Gideon Were, Rajab Omar, Peter Mwaura (c), Brian Marvin, Yusuf Ali, Titus Kapchanga, John Mwita, Fabian Barthez, Erick Balecho, John Kiplangat.

Subs: T. Kangeta, H. Obinna, V. Odhiambo, E. Juma, B. Juma, K. Oyim, A. Traore, W. Kamau, A. Odoyo.

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