NSL: Mathare United aim to close gap on Mara Sugar as Silibwet, Mulembe battle for survival

The race to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) and the battle for survival continue this Sunday as the National Super League (NSL) enters homestretch with five matches on the cards.

After Mara Sugar’s slip and big wins for Naivas and Nairobi United, the pressure is now on Mathare United to close the gap with leaders Mara while distancing themselves from third-placed Naivas and promotion hopefuls Nairobi.

Rainbow vs Mathare United

The action starts at Dandora Stadium, where sixth-placed Rainbow hosts second-ranked Mathare United with the SSlum boys aiming to reduce Mara's lead to two points.

Jeff Maina's squad is on a nine-match unbeaten run, last losing 3-0 to Mully Children Family (MCF) in mid-March. Since then, they have won six times and drawn three.

Darnold Ange and Meshack Ochieno will spearhead Mathare's attack, with Ochieno eager to end his six-game goal drought.

Kenyan international Paul Were and mid-season signing Dan Odhiambo will provide crucial support from the flanks.

Rainbow, who has recently struggled with player availability, will look to end a three-game losing streak against Mara, MCF, and Mulembe United.

Silibwet Leons vs Mulembe United

With the promotion race looking almost decided, all eyes are fixed on the other end of the log where the survival race seems to be going to the wire.

At Silibwet Green Stadium, bottom-placed Silibwet Leons take on 17th-placed Mulembe United.

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The two teams are separated by six points, and a win could significantly impact their survival hopes.

Silibwet, winless in their last five games and with only twelve players available, must overcome their recent struggles.

Historically, Mulembe has had the upper hand, winning three of their last five encounters with Silibwet's last win dating back to 2022 in their first-ever second-tier campaign.

A win for Silibwet would move them up but still within the relegation zone, while a Mulembe victory would see them displace Mombasa Elite in 16th place.

Luanda Villa vs MCF

Gilbert Selebwa starts his tenure at Luanda Villa with a tough match against MCF at Mumboha Stadium.

MCF, known for their giant-killing performances this season, have turned their campaign around with victories over top teams like Mathare and Naivas.

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They are on a five-game unbeaten run, while Luanda has won only one of their last three matches and will be without key players Peter Mbuya and Timothy Ndayala.

Selebwa aims to guide Luanda to a top-ten finish, with hopes of securing a top-five spot by season's end

Other Matches

Elsewhere, Kibera Black Stars welcome Migori Youth at Hope Centre, and Vihiga Bullets take on SS Assad at Vapor Ngong.