Modern Coast Rangers, Coast Stima send their visitors packing

Modern Coast Rangers FC head coach Abdulkassim Nassir (left) speaks to his players at half time during their National Super League match against KCB at Mbaraki Sports Club. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • KCB put up a big fight but were unluckily to fall 1-0 to Rangers in the thrilling match that kicked off at noon.

Mombasa sides Modern Coast Rangers and Coast Stima registered victories against visiting KCB from Nairobi and Kisumu All Stars from Kisumu in their respective National Super League matches on Saturday at Mbaraki Sports Club.

KCB put up a big fight but were unluckily to fall 1-0 to Rangers in the thrilling match that kicked off at noon.

Later, Stima put up a good show to beat the newly formed Kisumu All Stars 2-1 and ensure the visiting teams left Coast empty handed.

Rangers’ lone goal came in the 85th minute when their newly signed striker Nahashon Thiongo from Zetech University scored from a rebound.

The goal was initiated by Christinus Onyango who sent a powerful shot that beat KCB goalkeeper Juma Mpongo but hit the side post and bounced back into play. An obliging Thiongo latched onto the rebound to guide his effort home.

Rangers head coach, Abdulkarim Nassir admitted it was not an easy match. He said that their opponents made it difficult for his players to play their usual passing football.

“My players failed in their bid to display our neat football as KCB kept playing aerial balls which made if difficult to play our usual game. I’m happy that we managed to secure maximum points,” said Nassir.

His KCB counterpart John Kamau said it was an unlucky day for them as they dominated the entire game but his strikers failed to convert their chances into goals. “Our opponents got their single opportunity and converted it into the match winner,” said Kamau.

Coast Stima took the lead against Kisumu All Stars in the 24th minute through Davis Shikala from a free-kick but Dennis Ochieng levelled for Kisumu in the 58th minute. The home team got the match winner in the 76th minute through a penalty by Eric Mohammed.

Last weekend, KCB got three points without touching the ball when their opponents Muhoroni Youth failed to show up at Camp Toyoyo with Rangers losing 3-0 to Western Stima. Stima settled to a one-all draw with Green Commandos.