NSL Round Up: Naivas, Mathare United keep promotion hopes alive with victories

©Naivas

FOOTBALL NSL Round Up: Naivas, Mathare United keep promotion hopes alive with victories

Festus Chuma 19:08 - 03.02.2024

Naivas FC and Mathare United intensified their NSL title chase by securing maximum points in their Saturday matches.

The National Super League (NSL) reignited its fiery competition with six enthralling fixtures this Saturday following a brief intermission for the adrenaline-pumping FKF Cup knockout rounds.

In a weekend brimming with strategic plays and spectacular goals, Naivas FC and Mathare United stole the spotlight fortifying their positions at the zenith of the league table.

Naivas 2-0 Nairobi United

Log leaders Naivas FC triumphed over Nairobi United with a convincing 2-0 victory at the Mpesa Foundation Grounds.

The first half of the match was a tactical deadlock with both teams unable to break through the other's defenses.

However, Naivas returned for the second half with renewed vigor, spearheaded by the red-hot Robert Karisa who netted an impressive brace, catapulting his team to the top of the NSL leaderboard with 42 points.

This crucial win not only earned them three vital points but also saw them dethrone Mathare United from the coveted first place after a previous 2-0 triumph over Vihiga Bullets in a rescheduled fixture.

Mathare 2-0 Mombasa Elite

Mathare United, not to be overshadowed, maintained their relentless pursuit of the summit, clinching a vital 2-0 victory against the visiting Mombasa Elite at Kasarani Annex.

The Slum Boys showcased their tactical prowess and team spirit, with Boaz Maeri and the super-substitute Mark Khadohi finding the back of the net in the 37th and 81st minutes respectively.

Maeri capitalized on Paul Kinyanjui's corner delivery to outwit the Bullets' goalkeeper while Khadohi's moment of brilliance came as he transformed a routine goal kick into a dazzling display of skill and power, securing a top corner goal that left the spectators in awe.

Darajani Gogo 2-0 Vihiga Bullets

Elsewhere in the league, Darajani Gogo secured a 2-0 win against Vihiga Bullets at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology grounds.

Kajiado FC 1-2 Mara Sugar 

Meanwhile, at the Ildamat Stadium, a gripping encounter unfolded as hosts Kajiado FC succumbed to Mara Sugar in a 2-1 defeat.

James Mutuku placed the hosts ahead in the first stanza only for Samuel Odaroo to stage a remarkable comeback for Mara Sugar with a second-half brace.

Mombasa Stars 2-1 Gusii

The tussle for supremacy continued as Gusii FC faced a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Mombasa Stars, with both teams locked in a 1-1 stalemate at halftime.

Lunda Villa 1-1 Migori Youth

In another clash of the league, Lunda Villa and Migori Youth battled it out to a 1-1 draw at Mumboha Grounds with all the action-packed into an exhilarating first half.

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