Football
Mombasa Stars’ losing streak continued after they were defeated by their rival SS Assad in a National Super League (NSL) match held at the Serani sports ground on Sunday.
Ali Pinda emerged as the day’s hero after scoring in the 17th minute to hand Assad a 1-0 win. Mombasa Stars Coach Mohammed Hussein ‘Madaga’ was perplexed about how his team failed to win the match. “We dominated and controlled the whole game, got many chances but we failed to score any goal and that has been our big problem since the start of this season,” said Madaga.
He remains optimistic that they will win subsequent matches. The team so far played four games this season drawing one while losing three games. Assad tactician, Phelix Ogutu, was happy with the win against a tough opponent. “My boys executed the plans according to how we discussed and we won so we are very happy with this win considering it was our very first win against them in Mombasa,” stated Ogutu.
Despite dominating possession from the start of the match, the Stars were unable to break through Assad’s defence. In the 17th minute, Ali Pinda was one-on-one with the keeper at the penalty area where he shot bottom left to score. The keeper was not able to react fast.
Nine minutes later, Ali Ghalib of Assad hit the post deflecting the ball where Masudi Chirungi had a clear chance to score but shot wide. At the start of the second half, Said Abdulrahman almost equalized but it was saved by Assad goalkeeper, Said Ngare.
SS Assad will face A.P.S Bomet FC at their home ground in Ukunda while Mombasa Stars will be hoping to win their first match of the season against Samwest Blackboots in Nairobi next week.