NSL action between Nzoia Sugar and Gucha Youth at Gusii Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANANational Super League (NSL) side Gucha Stars' coach Sammy Okoth says their 2-1 win against Nzoia Sugar is the turning point in their season.
Experienced forwards Vincent Nyabuto and Duke Kurio scored for the newly promoted Gucha Stars in the game played at Gusii Stadium, while Obed Khakina pulled one back for the former Kenya Premier League side through a penalty.
Nyabuto, a former SportPesa League side Shabana forward, increased his goal tally to four in five games.
Okoth said: "This was a very important win for the boys because we had lost two consecutive games against Fortune Sacco and Migori Youth. This is a morale booster for the team as we head to Embu to face 3KFC next weekend."
"We have so far played five games, won two, lost two, and drawn one. I'm happy with the results because this is a young team. I'm impressed by the way they are picking up the momentum," added the experienced tactician.
Okoth attributed the 3-2 loss against Fortune Sacco and the 1-0 loss against Migori Youth last weekend to inexperience. "Most of the players are playing in the second-tier league for the first time. I didn't have time to sign experienced players because we were promoted when the transfer window had already closed," remarked the coach.
He added: "Despite being inexperienced, they are giving it their all in the games, and we hope they will continue with the same spirit in the upcoming games."
On his part, Nzoia coach Charles Odero said, "We lost unfairly because we were denied a clean goal. However, we now go back to the drawing board and focus on our next game." Nzoia will on Saturday host a resurgent Kisumu All Stars at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
Kisumu All Stars won their first game of the season after a 2-0 drubbing of Mombasa United at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday. Emmanuel Otieno and Wycliffe Opuro scored for the former FKF Premier League side.
Kisumu All Stars’ chairman said: "This is work in progress. This win will give the boys the confidence they need. I'm happy for the win."
Migori Youth maintained their grip at the top of the NSL log after a comfortable 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology, Ngong. The league's top scorer, Syphas Otieno, and Fred Ologi were on target for the Migori-based side. Otieno took his goal tally to six goals after eight games.
Newcomers Equity Bank held Naivas to a barren draw, while the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) returned to winning ways after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fortune Sacco.
