Mara Sugar outshined Silibwet FC by a 7-0 margin on Monday, June 12, 2023, to leapfrog Migori Youth to the third spot in a National Super League match played in Bomet.

With no Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches over the weekend, the NSL actions played across various venues in the country, were the highlights.

This is the 16th win of the campaign for the Sugar Millers, who are fighting to earn a promotion to the Premier League. This is also their biggest win in the season.

The loss at home compounded Silibwet’s woes, as they are stuck in the relegation zone given that they are 17th in the 19-team table.

Mara Sugar survive

Mara Sugar survived a 13th-minute scare when Silibwet attacked, but the home side could not take the lead because Muya Karaga lost a good chance when he shot wide from close range.

In the 30th minute, Mohamed Baraza scored past Silibwet’s goalkeeper John Nduati to hand Mara a deserved lead. The striker registered his second goal of the day when he found the back of the net a minute before the hour mark.

At this point, the Sugar Millers were in complete control of the game, as they went on to add the third goal in the 67th minute when Philemon Nyakwaka scored from close range.

Silibwet were further destroyed by three more goals from Victor Ngume, who scored in the 74th, 81st, 84th, and 89th minutes.

The 7-0 victory saw Francis Xavier’s side go above Migori Youth and are now standing in the promotion play-offs spot.

In another match, Kajiado FC and Mwatate United shared points after a 1-1 draw registered at Ildamat Stadium.

A minute past the hour mark, the home side took the lead when Abdul Mboso fired past Peter Madala in Mwatate United’s goal.

In the midst of a goalmouth melee, Yunus Kasozi scored late to ensure the tie ended in a one-all draw.

The NSL is getting into a crucial stage with Shabana and Muranga’a Seal fighting for the top two automatic promotion spots.

Shabana failed to go top when they were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Gusii FC on Monday, June 11, 2023, at Gusii Stadium.

‘Tore Bobe’ lost the top spot after their arch-rivals Muranga’s Seal defeated Naivas FC at Camp Toyoyo on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. However, Shabana enjoy an advantage as they have an extra game in hand.

Both Murang’a Seal and Shabana are on 61 points but are separated by a goal difference.

More twists were witnessed on Monday as Migori Youth lost the playoff spot to Mara Sugar. Both sides are also separated by a goal difference, as they have 53 points from 28 games.

Poor Kisumu and Vihiga United

Former Premier League sides Kisumu All-Stars and Vihiga United stand no chance of returning to the top tier. All-Stars are in the 10th position, while United have had a far poorer campaign and sit in the 16th spot.

Both the All-Stars and United have experienced difficulties both on and off the pitch as the financial crisis saw them hand over walkovers to their rivals.

Gusii and Darajani Gogo would have been in the promotion mix had they maintained the good form they experienced, especially in the first round of the season.

With the promotion race heating up, Shabana, Seal, Mara, and Migori Youth are expected to give their all in order to participate in the top-tier next season.

For their next NSL game, Seal are expected to be hosted by Coastal Heroes, Shabana will battle Migori Youth, while Mara will be up against SS Assad.