NSL PREVIEW: Survival scraps and promotion ambitions to dominate Saturday showdowns

National Super League action resumes on Saturday, 24 January, with four enticing fixtures set to usher in match-week 18 as clubs across the table chase contrasting ambitions of promotion glory and survival.

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The headline encounter takes place at Mumboha Grounds, where relegation threatened Vihiga United host promotion-chasing Mombasa United in a clash rich with narrative and consequence.

Vihiga United head into the fixture buoyed by a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Mully Children Family last weekend, only their third win of the campaign.

That result snapped a four-match winless run and injected renewed belief into Milton Kidiga’s side as they attempt to claw their way out of the relegation trenches.

Still rooted to the foot of the table, Vihiga will view Saturday’s encounter as a defining moment in their bid to steer their season back on course.

Standing in their way is a rejuvenated Mombasa United outfit, firmly back in the promotion conversation.

The coastal side returned to winning ways with a commanding 2-0 triumph over fellow contenders Kibera Black Stars before receiving a significant boost off the pitch.

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A decision by FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee on Thursday 22 January, awarded Mombasa United three points and two goals, following Gucha Stars’ failure to honour their December fixture.

The ruling propelled Gilbert Selebwa’s charges to 31 points, just two adrift of leaders Migori Youth.

With the summit now firmly within reach, Mombasa United will be eager to stamp authority and reclaim top spot.

Victory for Vihiga could lift them out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, while three points for Mombasa would see them surge to the summit, stakes that promise a compelling contest.

Elsewhere at GEMS Cambridge, Kibera Black Stars entertain Naivas FC in another high-stakes encounter.

Both sides are seeking an immediate response after recent defeats; Black Stars falling to Mombasa United, and Naivas losing 4-2 to leaders Migori Youth.

The setback ended Kibera’s impressive five-match unbeaten run, dropping them to seventh on 26 points.

Coach Iddi Badi will be keen to reignite his side’s momentum and narrow the gap on the promotion pack.

For Naivas, coach Elvis Ayani faces the task of restoring confidence after the defeat interrupted a brief revival that had followed a punishing seven-match winless spell.

With automatic promotion firmly in their sights after consecutive near-misses, the retailers know consistency is no longer optional.

At Ruaraka Grounds, former FKF Premier League side FC Talanta face a stern test against debutants Equity FC.

©Rodgers Odhiambo

Talanta arrive under pressure following a surprise 2-1 defeat to struggling Mwatate United, a result that deepened concerns over their recent inconsistency.

Jackson Gatheru’s men sit 12th on 22 points, already eleven adrift of the leaders, and cannot afford further slippage.

Equity FC, meanwhile, continue to impress in their maiden NSL campaign.

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A thrilling 3-2 win over Gucha Stars lifted the bankers to fifth on 28 points, just five off the top.

Coach John Mbenzo will be targeting a third straight victory as his side boldly chase promotion at the first attempt.

The final fixture sees Gucha Stars host Kabati Youth FC at Gusii Stadium in an all-debutants clash.

Gucha will be eager to rebound from their narrow loss to Equity, while Kabati arrive in buoyant mood after a 1-0 win over Darajani Gogo.

With just a point separating the two sides near the lower reaches of the table, the outcome could prove pivotal in easing relegation fears.