Talking points from National Super League Round Fifteen

Rainbow, Naivas, and Mulembe United were among the eye-catching performers in round 15 of the National Super League over the weekend.A lot transpired including Mombasa Stars ending their poor run as well as Rainbow recording their third successive win.At Ildamat Stadium, Vincent Nyaberi was off to a good start with Nairobi United at the expense of Kajiado’s new gaffer Francis Xavier as strikes from South Sudanese defender Daniel Bichok, Elson Wangamati and on-fire Henry Omolo secured all the three points for the Naibois.Here are other highlights from the weekend action:##NAJAVA_MECA_7796421##Wasteful Luanda Villa held by Vihiga BulletsLuanda Villa paid the price for inefficiency against a resilient Vihiga Bullets in what could be termed a Vihiga derby though the former relocated to Nairobi due to sponsorship concerns. Tom Tera’s side were dominant in almost every attacking statistic. Forwards Mike Isabwa and Timothy Ndayala were frustrated by poor decision-making or denied by the brilliance of George Owoko’s defense who put everything on the line to keep the ball out.Moments after opening the scoring Villa turned the ball into their net while under pressure from Bullets.With the backing from home fans Villa were expected to turn it around but in the end, had to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw.Manoah banishes Migori Youth ghosts of the pastMulembe United finally go their first-ever win over Migori Youth in the National Super League. United took the lead through Richard Odhiambo and completed the scoring via veteran Johnstone Alusula to pick the first-ever win against the border club and coach Edward Manoah’s maiden victory since his appointment. The win not only ended Mulembe’s series of four matches without a win but also gave them the first clean sheet in six games taking them to 15th on the table with 16 points from 16 fixtures.Dream start for Pamzo as Shabana thrash Nzoia to kick off second leg on positive noteNaivas continue to shineMara Sugar looked like the team to halt Naivas good run after taking a 1-0 lead at halftime.The plot thickened for Naivas moments after the restart as Mara doubled their advantage and looked set to pick maximum points.That was never to be as Naivas restored parity and dug deep to win the game.The quality of Naivas’ finishing returned with Karis Ponda, Eliud Lukworm, and new signing Sammy Ggolola putting themselves on the line to stage a comeback win and keep the shoppers firmly in the promotion race.It was a professional performance from Naivas who go into another match week top of the league. The Shoppers controlled proceedings despite facing a gutsy Mara Sugar who were never going to roll over. Odhiambo confident of Homeboyz’ recovery and title chancesThe visitors had their moments, but the difference in experience between the two sides was evident.Sources at Mara say the team is looking for a solid defender after the 3-2 loss to Naivas.Poor finishing costs Darajani Gogo critical pointsDarajani Gogo had clear opportunities to secure a crucial statement victory against Kibera Black Stars in the Kibra derby at the Mpesa Foundation in Thika.Both teams had to settle for a point after labouring for a barren draw.Gogo had the clearest of the chances but couldn’t pass the ball into the net. The lost points will certainly have an impact in their quest to gain promotion and achieve other objectives set for the season.NSL: Naivas, Mathare United pick vital wins

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