Advantage Zoo as Nakumatt, Sharks slip in NSL race

Unstoppable National Super League (NSL) Leaders Nzoia United stretched their lead to 16 points at the top of the standings as an intriguing battle for second places started unfolding below them.

Unbeaten Nzoia notched their 23rd victory in 30 outings when they nicked a 2-1 victory away at Modern Coast Rangers at Mbaraki Stadium over the weekend to stretch their tally to 76.

Red-hot duo, top scorer Masita Masuta and Brian Yakhama found the net in the 10th and 60th minutes of the game to silence the home side who found their consolation through Leroy Boko who slammed home a penalty a minute after they went 2-0 down.

The tie of the round saw promotion chasing Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt FC who started the weekend fixtures in second battle to a 0-0 draw.

Zoo Kericho took advantage to leap frog the retailers to second when they escaped the shackles of Police FC with a priceless 1-0 victory.

Zoo rose to 60 with Nakumatt sealing the top three a point adrift with Sharks slipping to fourth (56) as the race to play Kenyan Premier League football next season intensifies.

Speaking to Citizen Digital Zoo Team Manager Lazarus Yogo said they have no other option apart from winning all the remaining matches to secure promotion.

“The weekend victory boosted us and we only have a winning mentality. As you see now the race is very tight and we are not going to relent at all,” he said.

They welcome struggling Ligi Ndogo at Kericho Green Stadium hoping another victory coupled with slip ups from their main rivals will give them breathing space in second.

Elsewhere Vihiga United won their first game in five to stem the rot when they prevailed 2-1 over the visiting Nairobi Stima at the Mumias Sports Complex to put their promotion hopes back on track as they remained fifth on 54.

Palos FC forced Shabana FC down to earth after last weekend’s heroics when they pipped the bottom side 1-0 at the Kericho Green Stadium with Morvin Otinya winning the game in the 57th minute.

Wazito FC and Nakuru All Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate for the only other draw of the weekend at Nairobi’s Camp Toyoyo Grounds with Anthony Nganga opening the scoring for the visitors in the 78th before Kennedy Wanjie salvaged a point in the 85th.

RESULTS

MONDAY

15:00        Nakumatt                          0  –   0                     Kariobangi Sharks

15:00       KCB                                      1  –   0                      Oserian

SUNDAY

15:00     Shabana                                  0  –  1                     Palos FC

15:00     Vihiga United                         2  –  1                    Nairobi Stima

15:00   Modern Coast Rangers          1  –   2                    Nzoia  United

11:00   Wazito Fc                                   1  –  1                    Nakuru Allstars

SATURDAY

15:00   Police FC                                 0  –  1                      Zoo Kericho

15:00    Bidco United                         3  –   2                    FC   Talanta

15:00     Moyas FC                              1  –   0                   St  Joseph’s  FC