NSL Review: Promotion race heats up
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.04.22. | 14:34
Only seven points separate the APs Bomet who lead the standings and fourth placed Zoo FC
After spending 16 years languishing in the lower tiers of Kenyan football, Shabana FC entered promotion places in the National Super League with a 2-0 win over Silibwet Leons.
Shabana staking top-flight claim
Alongside Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, Shabana was once one of the most supported clubs in the country but have fallen from grace in recent decades.
Their 2-0 win over Silibwet Leons courtesy of a brace from Vincent Nyabuto put them in the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs slot with head coach Sammy Okoth looking to guide the club back into the top flight.
Fortune and Bomet falter
The top two sides in the NSL failed to pick up wins this past weekend as Fortune Sacco settled for a 1-1 draw against Coastal Heros while APs Bomet registered a similar scoreline against Mully Children's Family (MCF).
Bomet still hold a three-point advantage at the summit of the log but with Shabana currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run, the automatic promotion places could soon change.
Murang’a Seal’s inconsistencies prevail
After a promising start to the season Murang’a Seal’s wheels looking to be falling apart after their 3-0 thumping at the hands of Kisumu All Stars.
Misfortunes have also been behind Seal’s drop on the log as they have been deducted points and games awarded to opponents this season.
Zoo’s resurgence continues
The Kericho-based side showed some rustiness after staying for months without kicking the ball but have recovered well to currently occupy the fourth slot on the log following their 2-0 win over Migori Youth.
FT| And we take maximum points at Kericho Green Stadium courtesy of goals from Ondati and Ggolola...Unto the next!#fcukzoo #MagicalKericho #NSL pic.twitter.com/C6KzSPSrEO
— Zoo FC (@zoofootballclub) April 3, 2022
The win made it three consecutive victories as they look to return to the top flight at the first time of asking since being expelled from the league on match-fixing grounds.
Black Stars shining bright
Kibera Black Stars were the biggest winners this weekend after a 5-0 whitewash of SS Assad to move to fourth on the log, just two points off promotion places.
Paul Ogai’s side have been impressive in recent matches, suffering only a single defeat in the last nine games.
NSL Weekend Results
Coastal Heroes 1-1 Fortune Sacco
MCF 1-1 APS Bomet
Kisumu All Stars 3-0 Murang'a SEAL
Kibera Black Stars 5 - 0 Assad
Migori Youth 2 - 0 Mwatate United
Zoo 2-1 Muhoroni Youth
Mombasa Elite 4-1 Gusii United
Naivas 0-1 Mara Sugar
Siliwet Leones 0-2 Shabana
Vihiga United 3-2 Dandora Love
