• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 5 days ago

Mara Sugar climb to second after victory as Mombasa United suffer another setback

Mara Sugar moved to within reach of early-season leaders Gor Mahia after securing their first win of the 2026/27 Sportpesa League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mombasa United at William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok on Monday.

The Millers made their home advantage count, scoring twice in the first half before surviving a late push from the league newcomers to collect maximum points and strengthen their position near the top of the standings.

Kevin Mavali opened the scoring in the 34th minute, rising above the Mombasa United defence to head home from Godrick Vincent’s corner kick.

Mara maintained the pressure and doubled their advantage just before half-time. Vincent started the move by finding Kepha Ondati, who delivered a low cutback into the penalty area for Alex Imbusia to finish emphatically into the roof of the net.

The two goals gave the hosts a comfortable cushion at the break after an entertaining first half in which both teams created several scoring opportunities.

Mombasa United had threatened earlier through Peter Abiola and Waziri Shentembo, but neither could find the target despite promising openings.

Mara continued to push for a third goal after the restart, with Imbusia coming close to scoring again, only for Abiola to clear his header before it crossed the line.

The visitors, however, refused to give up and gradually increased their attacking efforts in search of a way back into the contest.

Their best opportunity came through Christian Lubulu, whose first-time effort from Dennis Mabeya’s lay-off forced Mara goalkeeper Joseph Ogenda into an impressive save. Ogenda stretched back to tip the ball over the crossbar and preserve his side’s two-goal advantage.

Mara also had chances to put the result beyond doubt, but Victor Ngume failed to make clean contact with a delivery inside the box as the hosts missed an opportunity to extend their lead.

Mombasa United eventually found a consolation goal late in the match through Laban Otieno, setting up a tense finish. However, Mara held on to secure all three points.

The victory lifts Mara Sugar to second place with four points from two matches, behind leaders Gor Mahia, as the race for early-season positions begins to take shape.

For Mombasa United, the defeat extends a difficult introduction to top-flight football. The newcomers have now lost their opening two league matches, following their earlier 1-0 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz, and remain without a point.

Mara will take confidence from their response to an opening-day 2-2 draw against fellow newcomers 3K FC, while Mombasa United must find a way to turn their promising spells into goals as they continue their search for a maiden Premier League victory.