Mombasa United bounce back with narrow win over Naivas FC
Mombasa United FC's Abdulrahman Said in action against a Naivas FC player in a midweek NSL clash played at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa. Photo/ Courtesy
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Mombasa United returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Naivas FC in a National Super League (NSL) clash at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa County on Wednesday afternoon.
The decisive goal came from striker Fidel Omondi in the final quarter of the match, securing all three points for the home side.
United started the game on the front foot, forcing Naivas to absorb early pressure.
Winger Nehemiah Onchiri was lively in the opening half-hour, twice testing the Naivas goalkeeper and even finding the back of the net once — only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Former United forward Emmanuel Lunalo proved troublesome for his old teammates, but the Mombasa defence, marshalled by Nixon Ouma, held firm to keep him at bay.
Eight minutes before halftime, Answar Shamuni nearly put United ahead with a well-struck 24-yard free kick, only for Naivas goalkeeper Elix Otieno to pull off a fine save. The teams went into the break locked at 0–0.
In the 76th minute, Omondi delivered the breakthrough, connecting superbly with a Felix Ochieng cross to slot past Otieno for what proved to be the match-winner.
Naivas FC’s hopes of salvaging a point faded late on when veteran midfielder Kevin Luvanda received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 89th minute.
The defeat marked Naivas FC’s first loss of the season.
Speaking after the match, Mombasa United head coach Gilbert Selebwa praised his players for their resilience and response following last weekend’s defeat to 3K FC.
“The boys showed a lot of character after that painful loss away from home. We didn’t have much rest — back in training Monday, then playing again today — but they gave everything and earned this win against an experienced, unbeaten side,” said Selebwa.
Naivas head coach Elvis Ayani took the result as a lesson for his side, emphasizing the importance of converting chances.
“It was a good game. Mombasa United played well, but we had our chances and didn’t take them. They made the most of their one big opportunity in the second half, and that made the difference. Still, I’m proud of my players for showing great character,” Ayani remarked.
The decisive goal came from striker Fidel Omondi in the final quarter of the match, securing all three points for the home side.
United started the game on the front foot, forcing Naivas to absorb early pressure.
Winger Nehemiah Onchiri was lively in the opening half-hour, twice testing the Naivas goalkeeper and even finding the back of the net once — only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Former United forward Emmanuel Lunalo proved troublesome for his old teammates, but the Mombasa defence, marshalled by Nixon Ouma, held firm to keep him at bay.
Eight minutes before halftime, Answar Shamuni nearly put United ahead with a well-struck 24-yard free kick, only for Naivas goalkeeper Elix Otieno to pull off a fine save. The teams went into the break locked at 0–0.
In the 76th minute, Omondi delivered the breakthrough, connecting superbly with a Felix Ochieng cross to slot past Otieno for what proved to be the match-winner.
Naivas FC’s hopes of salvaging a point faded late on when veteran midfielder Kevin Luvanda received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 89th minute.
The defeat marked Naivas FC’s first loss of the season.
Speaking after the match, Mombasa United head coach Gilbert Selebwa praised his players for their resilience and response following last weekend’s defeat to 3K FC.
“The boys showed a lot of character after that painful loss away from home. We didn’t have much rest — back in training Monday, then playing again today — but they gave everything and earned this win against an experienced, unbeaten side,” said Selebwa.
Naivas head coach Elvis Ayani took the result as a lesson for his side, emphasizing the importance of converting chances.
“It was a good game. Mombasa United played well, but we had our chances and didn’t take them. They made the most of their one big opportunity in the second half, and that made the difference. Still, I’m proud of my players for showing great character,” Ayani remarked.
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