The race for promotion to the FKF Premier League took a rather unexpected turn as two of the chasing teams – Mathare United and Naivas – dropped points in consecutive weekends to leave the door open for NSL leaders Mara Sugar.Poised to be a Saturday afternoon where second-placed Mathare would put aside their away draw to Silibwet last weekend on the back seat, they ended up blowing their opportunity as they played out a barren draw with mid table side Dimba Patriots at Kasarani Annex.
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Naivas, on the other hand, made it five games without a win after drawing 1-1 with Vihiga Bullets at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, a result that puts them two points behind Mathare and three behind Mara despite playing a game extra.Mathare United head coach Jeff Maina chose to remain positive despite not going top saying: “The game was not bad but we were affected by the weather conditions. That’s not any excuse. We take our lessons and will rectify our mistakes in the coming matches.”On the promotion chase, he added: “There is no pressure. We are taking a game at a time and we still have eight matches to go.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8079477##In other NSL matches played on Saturday, Rainbow FC secured their third win in a row after seeing off Kisumu All Stars at Dandora Stadium.Ally Salum fed off a Tom Wainaina assist to see his side move to fifth on the log, and only nine points behind Nairobi United in fourth.At Mumias Sports Complex, Mulembe United failed to get a desired win to pull them out of the relegation zone after settling to a 2-2 draw with visiting Kibera Black Stars.Mara Sugar out to extend winning streak in Luanda Villa tieThe hosts got their goals through Brandon Mweresa and Amos Kigadi while Black Stars got theirs from Richdonald Bolo and Donald Omwanda.18th placed Gusii United failed to turn up at Ukunda Showgrounds for their game against SS Assad due to financial constraints, and will now be docked three points and two goals.The final fixture of the day saw Mombasa Stars settle for a barren draw with Migori Youth at Serani Sports Club, Mombasa.
