Modern Coast thrash City Stars for maiden NSL win

Modern Coast Rangers Friday handed visiting Nairobi City Stars a 3-1 hiding at Serani Sports grounds, Mombasa to register their first win of the 2018/19 National Super League (NSL) season.

Alpha Ouma gave the home team the lead in the first half with Francis Ochola netting a brace in the second half as Alex Yeroga scored City Stars' consolation through a penalty.

Modern Coast interim coach Joseph Shihuli termed the win a big reprieve after a poor start to the season that saw them pick only one point from five matches.

“We started the season with some problems having only 12 players where we failed to honour two matches, lost two and drew one. I’m happy we now have a complete squad and we hope to continue winning,” said Shihuli.

City Stars coach John Amboko blamed the loss on his defenders for leaving his goalkeeper Evans Lisenge exposed.

“We lost due to our own mistakes. Our opponents utilised chances that came their way,” said Amboko.

The game started with the visitors dominating the first 15 minutes where they missed two scoring chances through Innocent Babu and Kevin Ouma whose shots went wide in the 10th and 14th minutes.

Rangers got their first chance in the 20th minute when defender Stephen Maina overlapped and found Francis Ochola with a cross but the latter's powerful header was parried for an abortive corner by Lisenge.

The first goal for Rangers arrived in the 25th minute after a fine combination involving Erick Kibiru, Eliakim Nyanga and George Owiti culminated in Alpha Ouma beating an on-rushing Lisenge.

In the second half, Rangers made a bright start and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead on 46 minutes through Ochola after being fed by Ademba Hawkins.

Yeroga handed the visitors a glimmer of hope in the 69th minute after scoring from the spot but five minutes later Ochola secured maximum points for his side with his second of the day following a goal-mouth melee.