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As the National Super League (NSL) resumes after a long holiday break, attention shifts to two standout teams as the second leg approaches. 

The Kibera-based duo of neighbours Kibera Black Stars FC and Darajani Gogo FC are riding high on recent form, and all eyes will be on their ability to maintain momentum. Both teams, who have made several attempts to earn promotion to the Premiership, are currently second and third on the table, tied at 25 points alongside newcomers Nairobi United, and just a point behind league leaders APS Bomet FC. 

Black Stars and Gogo Boys have each secured three consecutive wins, with the former edging ahead on goal difference (+1) while the latter has a game in hand. The battle for local supremacy and the bragging rights of Kibera promises to be a thrilling subplot. This weekend, Edwin Lavatsa’s Black Stars travel to Embu’s Moi Stadium tomorrow to face newcomers 3K FC, coached by Francis Chege. 

This marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides, with 3K FC banking on home-ground advantage. However, the eighth-placed team, sitting on 21 points, is winless in their last four outings, which could be a concern.

Meanwhile, Black Stars will aim to extend their winning streak, drawing confidence from their current form and experience. 

Darajani Gogo, on their part, will take on the sixth-placed Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) FC today at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County. Gogo’s potent attacking line has already netted 22 goals in 13 matches, the highest in the league. MOFA, having conceded 15 goals this season, will need to shore up their defence to avoid being overrun. 

Elsewhere, league leaders APS Bomet FC face Dimba Patriots FC at the Wolves Den in Narok County. Dimba, currently 11th, have drawn their last two matches and will look to leverage home-ground advantage against a solid APS side. However, APS will need to address their slim goal difference (+6), as their tally of 14 goals remains relatively low for a top team. 

In another key fixture, Migori Youth FC host Fortune Sacco at the Migori Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be a gripping encounter. Tenth-placed Migori trail fifth-placed Sacco by six points, though Sacco holds two games in hand. 

Meanwhile, Luanda Villa face Nairobi United in a potentially fiery clash at Mumboha Grounds in Vihiga County tomorrow. Seventh-placed Luanda, buoyed by a strong recent run of 10 points from a possible 15, will look to exploit the struggles of Nairobi United, who have managed only six points from their last five matches.