Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moallin has warned his players against complacency after their 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks in the first leg of the Kenya Premier League promotion playoff.
The victory gives Mombasa United a narrow advantage ahead of the return match in Nairobi on October 6, but Moallin says the tie remains open and his side must improve before the decisive second leg.
“We have to come out and start the second game better. We will go back to the training pitch, correct some of the mistakes that happened today and build on some of the good things that we made,” Moallin said.
Mombasa United took the lead after Dennis Toeri converted from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute before Rashidi Waziri doubled their advantage 12 minutes later.
Kariobangi Sharks responded through Dalvin Wayne late in the match, leaving Mombasa United with a one-goal lead to take into the return fixture.
Moallin also praised the home supporters who turned out in large numbers, saying their backing created a strong atmosphere for the players.
“We appreciate these guys, the fans that came out today to support Mombasa United. They created a great atmosphere,” he said.
Midfielder Christian Lubulu credited the team’s hard work for the victory but acknowledged that there is still work to be done in Nairobi.
“We have won, but I think still it’s open. It’s all up to us again to go again in Nairobi, to work harder than what we have done today,” Lubulu said.
Mombasa United will now prepare for the October 6 return leg, with the aggregate result determining which side secures the Premier League place.
