Nzoia United: Losing unbeaten record not a set-back

Nzoia United Chairman Yaptes Mokua believes surrendering their sensational 31-game unbeaten run in the National Super League (NSL) saying the defeat does little to puncture their title march.

The Bungoma-based side conceded two goals in the last 20 minutes to relinquish an early first half lead and lose 2-1 to 16th-placed Nakuru All Stars.

Despite the defeat, Nzoia remain the overwhelming favorites to clinch the NSL crown, having a 13-point lead over their nearest competitors Zoo Kericho FC whose promotion hopes were buoyed by a thrilling 3-2 win over Oserian FC.

“We played to our best but ultimately lost the points and as is the case in every game there is always a winner and a loser. It’s disappointing but it’s also  a fact that sometimes you can play very well and end up losing in the match. It only happened that luck was in their side so the chances they created they used them well,” Yaptes told Citizen Digital.

Yaptes added their promotion to the Kenya Premier League (KPL) was only a matter of time but have to press on for the title.

“As things are going we apparently need to win only two games and we will be crowned the Champions. That’s what we’re focusing on,” he stated.

Influential midfielder Ibrahim Kitawi’s double against Naiorbi City helped Kariobangi Sharks keep pace with rivals Zoo while Nakumatt (fourth), Vihiga United (fifth) and KCB (sixth) each won their corresponding fixtures to set up a thrilling finale in the battle for second place.

Of the top six, Sharks and KCB each have a game in hand and could position themselves better against their rivals should they claim maximum points.

With Shabana’s relegation fate seeming already sealed, the battle for survival remains between FC Talanta (25) St. Joseph FC (25) and Ligi Ndogo FC (21).

MIDWEEK RESULTS

WEDNESDAY

15:00  Shabana 0-0 Agrochemicals

15:00  Police FC 0-0 Bidco united

15:00  FC Talanta 1-2 St Joseph’s FC

15:00  Oserian 2-3 Zoo Kericho FC

15:00  Nakuru All Stars 2-1 Nzoia United

15:00 Nairobi Stima 0-2 Kariobangi  Sharks

15:00  Moyas FC 0-2 Nakumatt

11:00 Ligi Ndogo 0- 1 Palos FC

13:00  KCB 1-0 Wazito FC

15:00  Vihiga United 3-0 Modern Coast Rangers