Epic weekend awaits in NSL
By Barry.Silah, October 27, 2023
The 2023/24 National Super League(NSL) Championship Round 7 kicks off in 24 hours, featuring 10 matches as the first quarter of the season comes to a close this weekend.
A couple of eye-catching games are lined up, with the most intriguing being between third-placed Kisumu All-Stars and seventh-placed Mombasa Elite FC at Moi Stadium. The two teams clash tomorrow, with the host team led by Charles Bruno expected to deliver an impressive performance, as their head-to-head record with Elite currently stands at 1-1.
The Lakeside boys, also known as Otenga, are on 11 points and have had a commendable run in the Championship. In their last five matches, All-Stars have secured 10 points, with a loss and a draw in between. Elite currently sits on nine points with three wins to their credit. All-Stars will be eager to leverage home support and their familiar grounds to secure a victory, thereby enhancing their position in the standings.
Meanwhile, at Awendo Green Stadium, Migori Youth FC, placed eighth on the log, hosts high-flying second-placed Naivas FC on Sunday in a match expected to ignite excitement. The Retail outlet, joint top on 13 points but with a slightly lower goal difference, has seen two draws in the recent head-to-head statistics (4 matches), with each side securing a win apiece. Migori previously defeated Naivas 3-0 and aims to replicate this triumph to boost their ranking. Currently, Migori has a zero goal difference (4-4) while Naivas boasts a +7 goal difference (12-5).
Elsewhere, former Premier League side Mathare United draws inspiration from their recent 2-0 victory over leaders Mara Sugar FC last weekend as they host an equally ambitious SS Assad at Camp Toyoyo today. The slum boys, currently in fourth place with 10 points, have showcased excellent form this season, with three wins in five games. Coach James Omondi relies on experienced players like Timothy Otieno and Gor Mahia FC loanee Parmenas Ochola in their quest for success.
In other matches scheduled for this weekend, league leaders Mara Sugar FC will face newcomers Dimba Patriots FC at Awendo Green Stadium on Saturday, with the sugar-men heavily favored. Simultaneously, Silibwet Leons, currently in 16th place, will clash with the red-hot sixth-placed Kajiado FC. The Leons secured their first win of the campaign by defeating Dimba Patriots 2-0 last weekend, while Kajiado were held to a surprising 1-1 draw against newcomers Luanda Villa in their last fixture.