Mombasa United sink Mwatate United in NSL Coast derby

Mombasa United bounced back to winning ways on Wednesday afternoon with a commanding 3–0 victory over Mwatate United in a National Super League Coast Derby clash played at Mbaraki Sports Ground, Mombasa.

The hosts dominated the contest from the opening whistle, with first-half goals from Nehemiah Onchiri and Fidel Omondi setting the tone before Kevin Okoth sealed the emphatic win late in the match.

Mombasa United took the lead as early as the sixth minute when in-form winger Onchiri calmly converted from the penalty spot after Jackson Watee was brought down inside the area.

The hosts continued to pile on pressure, creating several clear-cut chances to extend their advantage. Watee, Omondi and Abdalla Amad all came close in the early stages as Mwatate United struggled to register a shot on target.

Mwatate nearly found an equaliser in the 25th minute when Emmanuel Kemei went one-on-one with goalkeeper Richard Ebenyo, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 30th minute, when striker Fidel Omondi tapped in a well-delivered cross from Jackson Watee to make it 2–0.

Five minutes before the break, Mwatate United tested Ebenyo for the first time through a long-range effort from Kipngeno Nickson, which the goalkeeper handled comfortably. Nickson came close again in stoppage time, but was denied by Onchiri as Mombasa United went into halftime with a two-goal cushion.

Mwatate United showed renewed energy after the restart and almost pulled one back in the opening minute of the second half when Tati Yawa’s shot beat Ebenyo, only for defender Denis Toeri to clear the ball off the line.

Mombasa United wrapped up the contest four minutes from time, with Kevin Okoth firing home a powerful shot after a cut-back from a corner delivered by fullback Nyagol, sealing all three points for the hosts.

Mwatate United missed a late chance to grab a consolation goal when Kipngeno Nickson failed to convert from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box during the closing moments of the match.

Speaking after the final whistle, Mombasa United head coach Gilbert Selebwa praised his team’s display.

“It was a game of two halves. Our game plan worked well in the first half, and if we were more clinical, we could have scored many more goals as we missed at least eight clear chances. In the second half, we knew they would add another striker, so we adjusted from a back three to a back four to absorb the pressure,” said Selebwa.

Mwatate United assistant coach Zablon Mwale remained optimistic despite the defeat.

“We played well and created many chances but failed to convert them. We had about five good opportunities, including a penalty, and didn’t take them. Luck was not on our side, but we believe our time will come. All is not lost,” he said.