The highly awaited National Super League (NSL) Mombasa Derby between Mombasa Stars and Mombasa United ended in a goalless draw at Serani Sports Ground on Sunday.
From kickoff, the match was balanced as both teams showed composure and great defending with each creating scoring chances which they failed to utilise.
Both sides started with high energy, and just four minutes into the match, Moses Gitau set up Ramadhan Mwanzia for a promising shot, which Stars goalkeeper Iddi Rashid pulled off an excellent save.
In the 20th minute, Mombasa stars were forced to make an early substitution after Rogers Okumu got an injury and was replaced by Emmanuel Nyamawi. Nyamawi quickly made an impact, nearly scoring two minutes after coming on, but his shot was saved by United’s goalkeeper Tila Kevin.
Nyamawi came close to finding the opener again in the 35th minute, when he leaped to chest the ball and then shot a powerful shot, but Kevin cleared the danger.
In the second half, both teams displayed fantastic defence, making it difficult for either side to get a shot on goal.
Mombasa United head coach Hamadi Said got a red card in the 83rd minute for persistently disputing match official decisions.
Mombasa Stars tactician, Muhammed ‘Madaga’ Hussein, said that his team controlled the game and that his opponents tried to defeat them through counter style of playing.
“I believe that my striking force today was not at its best and it all comes after Okumu’s early injury in the game, they missed a lot of opportunities that would have won us the game,” said Madaga.
His opponent Said, said that it was an outstanding derby with the good performances shown by both teams.
“My players really fought and am proud of them. They defended really well, but they must work more on their finishing,” stated Said.
This week, Mombasa United are preparing for another derby, Coastal derby, where they will face SS Assad on Sunday at Serani Sports Ground.
By Abdulrahman Shariff
