NSL: Five talking points from weekend's action

Darajani Gogo must keep up the hunt for the full 90

A 2-1 win made things look comfortable in the end for Nairobi United as they ended Darajani Gogo’s six-match unbeaten run in the league. However, Darajani gave the league debutants plenty to think about. Despite conceding twice from set pieces, Gogo rallied with a display that exemplified the character and style of play they have been developing since Paul Ogai took charge of the team – aggressive, forward-thinking, and strong in one-on-one duels. Gogo’s next step in their development will be keeping up the intensity of their performance for 90 minutes. Nairobi, meanwhile, have Rodgers Oporia, a technically gifted footballer who put in another display that once again indicated his improving productivity for the Naibois.

Nyaberi spark turns things around at Mully Children's Family

Mully Children Family FC secured three crucial points in a 3-2 win against Gusii FC to ease their relegation fears. Kevin Omundi was again at the center of things as he provided a hat trick of assists after the Gusii’s sloppy passing at the back gifted MCF possession. Nyaberi, who took charge at the start of December, has helped MCF build a point cushion from the bottom club. The Yatta-based club has made a swift impact and the numbers speak for themselves. MCF have won four points from two games under Nyaberi.

Struggling Elite needs a change of plan

Mombasa Elite are in a relegation battle despite the quality of their squad. They lost 4-0 at Kibera Black Stars but could quite easily have scored at least two goals, despite being dominated for 90 minutes. The blunt strike force failed to convert great chances, but where Elite’s big problems lay at the back. Their defenders repeatedly made errors and needlessly put pressure on themselves. Such anxiety could explain the mistakes that resulted in the third and fourth goals, by Kibera. The main issue came when Elite attempted to pass out from the back, repeatedly losing possession. If they are to stay up, the Mombasa-based club may need to be more pragmatic because they are struggling to carry out the current plan. Being more direct could also help Elite and the other forwards get more of the ball in areas that can make the difference when they face the next encounter.

AFC Leopards face Tusker test in Machakos

Kajiado’s frailty at the back needs a fix

Kajiado FC created chances galore against Kisumu All Stars on Saturday but lacked the cutting edge to punish them and ultimately paid for that with a 4-1 defeat – a fourth league loss in a row. Kajiado who started the term on a high now sits two places from the top half of the table, which must be a shock for all concerned at the club given their hopes of building on last season’s fifteenth-place finish. Mohammed Hamisi’s team hasn’t made dominance count enough and perhaps the most startling fact is that they possess the third-worst defensive record in the league having conceded 17 in twelve games. Teams are capitalizing on the defensive frailty at will and that requires a sharp remedy to stop an even deeper slide away from their ambitions.

Vihiga Bullets show resilience in defeat

Vihiga Bullets lost again but in their 3-2 defeat by Mathare United, the league’s bottom-placed side displayed the type of character that suggests relegation is not a foregone conclusion. For the last 50 minutes, George Owoko’s side frustrated United with their compact low block and defensive application, with eye-catching crosses that nearly ended the match in a stalemate. United eventually found a way to break Mathare down thanks to the three first-half goals.

NSL: Darajani Gogo unbeaten run halted by Nairobi United