Mombasa United Cruise Past Mwatate As Coast Derby Ends In Emphatic Win

Mombasa United ended their short winless run in style on Wednesday afternoon with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mwatate United in a Coast Derby encounter played at Mbaraki Sports Ground.

The hosts wasted no time asserting their authority, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Nehemiah Onchiri calmly converted from the penalty spot after Jackson Watee was fouled inside the area. It was a confident start that set the tone for a one-sided opening half.

Mombasa United continued to dominate possession and territory, carving out several clear chances as Mwatate struggled to settle. Watee, Fidel Omondi and Abdalla Amad all went close in quick succession, while the visitors failed to register a meaningful effort on target during the early exchanges.

Mwatate’s best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 25th minute when Emmanuel Kemei broke through on goal, but his one-on-one effort drifted narrowly wide to the relief of the home crowd.

The pressure eventually told again on the half-hour mark. Watee delivered a teasing cross from the flank and striker Fidel Omondi reacted quickest to tap home from close range, doubling Mombasa United’s advantage.

Mwatate United finally tested goalkeeper Richard Ebenyo five minutes before the break through a long-range strike from Kipngeno Nickson, but the shot was handled comfortably. Nickson threatened again in stoppage time, only to be denied as the hosts went into halftime with a deserved two-goal cushion.

The visitors emerged with renewed energy after the interval and nearly pulled one back immediately when Tati Yawa’s shot beat Ebenyo, but defender Denis Toeri made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the lead.

Mombasa United remained composed and sealed the result four minutes from time. From a corner routine, fullback Nyagol delivered a precise cut-back which Kevin Okoth met with a powerful finish to make it 3-0 and put the contest beyond doubt.

Mwatate were handed a late chance to grab a consolation when Kipngeno Nickson won a penalty in the closing moments, but the midfielder failed to convert, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.

Speaking after the match, Mombasa United head coach Gilbert Selebwa praised his side’s tactical discipline and attacking intent, noting that they could have scored more goals with better finishing in the first half. He also highlighted the defensive adjustment from a back three to a back four after the break to absorb Mwatate’s pressure.

Despite the defeat, Mwatate United assistant coach Zablon Mwale struck an optimistic tone, insisting his team created enough chances to get something from the game and remained confident that results would improve.

Elsewhere in the National Super League midweek action, Kibera edged Migori 1-0, Equity Bank defeated Darajani Gogo 2-0, Fortune Sacco saw off Talanta FC 3-1, while Luanda Villa and Nzoia Sugar played out a goalless draw. MCF recorded a narrow 1-0 win over 3K FC, MOFA and Kisumu All-Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, and Gucha Stars claimed a 1-0 away victory against Naivas FC.