Kariobangi Sharks will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they host Mombasa United in the decisive leg of the SportPesa League promotion/relegation play-off at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday October 6.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 3pm, will determine which of the two sides takes the final place in the 2026/27 SportPesa League.
Mombasa United go into the return leg with a slim advantage after securing a 2-1 victory in the opening match played at Mbaraki Sports Club last Thursday.
The National Super League side will now be hoping to protect their lead and complete what would be a historic promotion to the top flight.
ALSO READ: Mombasa United seal first-leg win over Kariobangi Sharks in SportPesa League playoff
Sharks, on the other hand, have their SportPesa League status on the line and know that they need to produce a strong performance in Nairobi to remain in the top tier.
The first leg was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating opportunities in a cagey opening half. Kariobangi Sharks had chances through David Polepole, while Waziri Shentembo also came close for the hosts, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
Mombasa United eventually took control after the break when they were awarded a penalty following Peter Abiola’s foul inside the box. Dennis Mabeya stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the home side the lead.
The hosts doubled their advantage when Mzee Hassan delivered a well-timed cross that was met by Shentembo, who finished from close range to put Mombasa United 2-0 ahead.
Sharks responded late in the match, with substitute Wayne Dalvine pulling one goal back in the 83rd minute. The goal gave the visitors renewed hope, although Mombasa United held on to take a narrow advantage into the second leg.
With only one goal separating the teams, Sharks will believe the tie is still within their reach.
Coach William Muluya has backed his players to turn the situation around and promised a strong performance in Nairobi.
“It’s a game of two chances and now we have one chance, a bullet to take. But what I can promise you is that we will have a good game in Nairobi,” Muluya said.
Sharks could also receive a boost with the return of highly rated youngster Razel Omondi, who has been away in Sweden for trials. His availability could provide another attacking option for Muluya as the home side searches for the goals needed to overturn the deficit.
For Mombasa United, the task is to maintain their composure and avoid giving Sharks an early route back into the contest.
Midfielder Christian Lubulu acknowledged that the tie remains open despite his side’s first-leg victory.
“It’s a close one because a 2-1 win is still open. It’s now up to us to go again in Nairobi and work harder, so I still believe we are going to believe in the Nairobi match,” Lubulu said.
Mombasa United finished third in the National Super League last season and were among the teams initially expected to gain automatic promotion to the top flight.
However, a dispute over the promotion and relegation regulations led to a prolonged standoff between the two clubs and contributed to the delay in the start of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.
Kariobangi Sharks finished 16th in the top flight last season and are now fighting to preserve their place among Kenya’s elite clubs, while Mombasa United are 90 minutes away from potentially earning their first-ever promotion to the top flight.
The winner on aggregate will take the final slot in the 2026/27 SportPesa League, adding further significance to today’s encounter.
Mombasa United only need to avoid losing by two clear goals to remain in control of the tie, while a one-goal victory for Sharks would take the contest into a situation that depends on the final aggregate score.
With everything on the line, Ulinzi Sports Complex is set for a decisive afternoon as Sharks chase a comeback and Mombasa United seek to finish the job.
Tickets for the match are priced at KSh200 for regular entry and KSh500 for VIP.