Double delight as Mara Sugar cane Mathare United to clinch NSL title and promotion

© Mara Sugar

Double delight as Mara Sugar cane Mathare United to clinch NSL title and promotion

Festus Chuma 16:33 - 22.06.2024

The Sugar Millers have clinched the National Super League title at Awendo Green Stadium, dedicating their victory to their passionate fans.

The Awendo Green Stadium was transformed into a party zone on Saturday as Mara Sugar defeated Mathare United 1-0 to win the National Super League (NSL) title.

Mara, who had already secured promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) last weekend, needed a win to clinch the league title with one match remaining in the season.

The win means Mara Sugar goes into their last match of the season against Vihiga United with 84 points, while Mathare, who are in second place, can only reach 82 points if they win their last match.

Mara Sugar dedicated the title to their passionate fans, who have been a major presence at their games this season.

In a closely contested match, Mathare United made just one alteration to their starting lineup from the previous game with Emmanuel Imbayi slotting back into the team.

The opening half saw both teams creating several opportunities yet neither side could capitalize on their chances.

As expected in a top-of-the-table clash, the game was evenly balanced heading into the halftime break, with both teams locked in a tactical battle and supporters eagerly anticipating a breakthrough in the second half.

Mathare were compelled to make a change at the goalkeeper position during the halftime interval.

Steve Njung'e was substituted paving the way for Gideon Ogweno to make his debut under the high stakes of a tight match.

The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the restart.

In the 48th minute, Mara's Joseph Okwenda found the back of the net, scoring the match's only goal and securing a crucial lead for his team.

This goal shifted the dynamics of the game, setting the stage for an intense finish as Mathare strived albeit unsuccessfully to equalize.

Meanwhile, the race for a playoff position heats up as Nairobi United, currently third, and Naivas, in fourth place, vie for the coveted spot.

Elsewhere, Mulembe United have confirmed their spot in the next season of the NSL following a decisive 3-0 victory over SS Assad at the Mumias Complex.

In a separate match, Mombasa Elite secured a narrow 1-0 win against Darajani Gogo and with Kajiado FC facing relegation, Elite now only needs one point from their upcoming final game against Mulembe to steer clear of relegation.

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