NSL WRAP: Table toppers Migori Youth twice come from behind to stun Naivas

As the National Super League (NSL) edges closer to the end of the first leg, the season is beginning to reveal its true character.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

This is the stretch where promotion contenders separate themselves from pretenders and survival becomes a weekly fight for breath.

League leaders Migori Youth seemed to wobble after going three matches without a win, but on Saturday evening at the Marist University Grounds, they reminded everyone why they sit at the summit, producing a thrilling comeback to defeat Naivas FC 4-2.

The match could not have started any worse for the visitors. Emmanuel Lunalo struck in the fourth minute to put Naivas ahead, a goal that briefly silenced the few Migori fans who had made the trip.

But the leaders responded with patience and purpose. In the 19th minute, new signing Vincent Wanga, who joined the club earlier in the week from MOFA, rose highest to head in the equaliser and mark his debut in style.

Just before the break, former Agoro Sare captain Churchill “Chicha” Otieno powered home a close-range header to give Migori the lead and swing momentum firmly their way.

Naivas tried to fight back after the restart, and five minutes into the second half, Lunalo brought them level again, briefly reigniting belief among the players.

But Migori refused to be denied. Otieno struck again, completing his brace and rewarding the faith shown in him by head coach Sammy Otulo.

As Naivas pushed forward in desperation, space opened up, and Hermvine Okoth sealed the victory late on with a fourth goal that confirmed Migori’s resilience and quality.

Gor Mahia re-sign Harambee Stars defender from Swedish club

The win opens a five-point gap at the top of the table for the Mozzart Bet-powered side, who now have 33 points after 17 matches and remain firmly in control of the promotion race.

MCF FC 1-3 Vihiga United

At the MCF Sports Complex in Ndalani, Vihiga United ended their five-match winless run in emphatic fashion, beating Mully Children Family (MCF) 3-1 and deepening the hosts’ misery.

Amos Kigadi, Kelvin Khavai and Patrick Okullo were all on target as the visitors finally found their rhythm after a difficult run of results.

Vihiga had not tasted victory since early December and had endured a bruising spell that included defeats to 3K FC, Equity Bank and Mwatate United, as well as a walkover loss to Nairobi City Stars.

The win provides much-needed relief for coach Tom Tera and his technical team of Milton Kadiga and Oscar Kambona.

PLAYER ANALYSIS: A look at two options Gor Mahia can utilise to replace Austin Odhiambo

For MCF, the slump continues. Since the departure of coach Vincent Nyaberi, the Ndalani-based side have struggled for consistency and have now managed just one win in their last seven matches.

The defeat leaves them 16th on 16 points, while Vihiga climb to 18th with 15.

Equity FC 3-2 Gucha Stars

Elsewhere in Kajiado, Equity FC edged Gucha Stars 3-2 in a dramatic encounter at Mashuuru Complex to register their first win of the year.

Rashid Moyo gave the Bankers a comfortable cushion with two first-half goals, scoring in the 20th and 39th minutes to put the hosts firmly in control.

But Gucha Stars showed character as Yusuf Saka pulled one back just before halftime and then completed his brace moments later to restore parity, stunning the home crowd and shifting momentum.

As the match drifted towards a draw, substitute Bramwell Simiyu, who signed from Sofapaka earlier in the week, emerged as the hero, striking in the 90th minute to secure all three points for Equity.

The win lifts the Bankers to third place with 28 points, setting the tone ahead of Sunday’s seven-match NSL programme.