Kwale-based National Super League (NSL) side SS Assad secured their first Coastal derby victory in the division, defeating neighbors Mombasa Stars 1-0 on Sunday.
Ali Pinda netted the decisive goal in the 17th minute, ensuring that Assad took home all the points.
After the match, Mombasa Stars coach Mohammed ‘Madaga’ Hussein expressed frustration at the missed opportunities, stating, “We dominated the game, we created many chances but we were not lucky in getting goals. We must work on our striking force going forward.”
On the other side, SS Assad head coach Phelix Ogutu was thrilled with their derby win against Mombasa Stars. “I’m happy to get the maximum points, keeping in mind this is our first win against Mombasa Stars here in Mombasa. We scored early and kept our focus for the win. We are glad that it worked,” he said.
Mombasa Stars controlled the early stages of the match but struggled to find the back of the net. Pinda scored after seizing a loose ball in the 18-yard box, delivering a powerful shot past Mombasa Stars goalkeeper Said Dhadho.
At the half-hour mark, Said Abdulrahman nearly equalized for the hosts with a shot that deflected off the post. Moments later, Stars winger Ali Ghalib had another excellent opportunity, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Despite dominating play in SS Assad’s half, Mombasa Stars, with Striker Masudi Chirunga and winger Abdulrahman Abdallah, were unable to convert their chances. Masudi came close to leveling the score, but his header was cleared off the line by Assad defender Omar Khalfan, ensuring there were no shared points.
Not There Yet
Mombasa Stars are still seeking their first win of the season, having lost three and won one match.
In other news from the Kenyan Women Premier League, Ulinzi Starlets were held to a 1-1 draw by newly promoted KISPED Queens at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi. Ulinzi Starlets took the lead in the 16th minute with a goal from Akoth Lucy, but KISPED Queens equalized in the 30th minute through Lilian Adeda.
After the match, Ulinzi Starlets’ Franklin Miheso acknowledged that their ineffective attack cost them the win. “That is what we have been working on in training from last week, sharpening our attack, but we are not yet there. Going forward, we are still going to work on finishing. We have a match next weekend and for sure we should be better in converting chances.”
KISPED Queens coach Daniel Minji considered the draw an important achievement, saying, “It’s an improvement from the last match, and it is what we really needed since it’s an away match. We were facing a tough opponent, and we are satisfied taking a point away from home.”
Both Ulinzi Starlets and KISPED Queens have one point each after losing their opening matches.
FULL NSL SUNDAY RESULTS:
– 3K FC 2-1 MCF
– APS Bomet 0-0 Kibera Black Stars
– Darajani Gogo 3-1 Nzoia Sugar
– Migori Youth 0-3 Samwest Blackboots
