Mombasa Stars secured city bragging rights with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mombasa United in a league match at Serani Sports Complex on Saturday.Ronald Okumu was the hero, converting a penalty in the 65th minute after winning the spot-kick in a highly contested encounter.The victory lifted Stars out of the relegation zone, a much-needed boost for a team that has struggled for most of the season.They now sit 17th with 21 points, just one ahead of 18th-placed Muhoroni Youth.##NAJAVA_MECA_8779943##Before the derby, Stars had endured a six-game winless run, managing only two draws while suffering four defeats—a slump that had kept them rooted in the red zone.Mombasa United, who recently reinforced their squad with 13 new signings, were determined to maintain their momentum after a thrilling 3-2 win over SS Assad in another coastal derby last week.Under the guidance of coach Hamadi Said, United started brightly. Wilberforce Lugogo nearly broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, but a brilliant save from Stars’ goalkeeper Ally Omeyar kept the scores level.Kenya U17 captain reveals game plan against Uganda in FIFA U17 World Cup qualifierBoth teams created multiple chances in the first half, but neither could capitalize, forcing a goalless stalemate at halftime.The second half brought a typical derby atmosphere, with United resorting to aggressive tackles in an attempt to control the tempo.Despite mounting pressure, Stars held firm, with Omeyar making crucial saves to keep his team in the game.The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute when Stars won a penalty, and Okumu calmly slotted home to hand his team their fifth win of the season.Stars then tightened their defense, employing heavy man-marking to protect their slim lead and secure all three points.##NAJAVA_MECA_8779948##Darajani Gogo 2-1 Vihiga UnitedDarajani Gogo strengthened their promotion push with a 2-1 victory over Vihiga United at Hope Centre, Kawangware.Returning from injury, captain Asena Khubeb put Gogo ahead in the 27th minute after a clever setup from Veron Ombima.Defender Hillary Kitui doubled the lead in the 44th minute, courtesy of a precise assist from Brian Wepo—his ninth of the season.Former Gor Mahia defender switches clubs in SwedenThe win propelled Gogo to fourth place with 37 points, just two behind third-placed Kibera Black Stars, who currently occupy the final promotion slot.For Vihiga, the defeat ended a seven-game unbeaten run, though they remain 14th with 25 points.Nzoia Sugar 3-3 Samwest BlackbootsNzoia Sugar FC and SamWest Blackboots continued their second-leg struggles with a dramatic 3-3 draw at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.Timothy Ndayala bagged a brace for SamWest, taking his season tally to 11 goals, while Clinton Odiwour added another.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780282##Nzoia responded through Obed Khakina and Victor Maliachi, with an own goal from Gedion Were ensuring they secured a share of the spoils.The result extended SamWest’s winless streak to three matches, leaving them 14th with 28 points. Nzoia, meanwhile, sit ninth with 30 points.Kisumu All Stars 1-0 Muhoroni YouthMuhoroni Youth’s struggles in the second tier persisted as they fell 1-0 to Kisumu All Stars at Moi Stadium, Kisumu on Saturday.Bruce Oduor netted the game’s only goal in the 44th minute, sealing a crucial win for the hosts.Kenya Police shoot to top of standings as KCB stay alive in title race with win over UlinziMuhoroni, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, now sit 18th with 20 points from 23 games, further complicating their survival hopes.Meanwhile, Kisumu All Stars have climbed to seventh with 32 points from 23 matches.
