Mombasa United have taken a narrow advantage in the FKF Premier League promotion/relegation playoff after defeating Kariobangi Sharks 2–1 in the first leg at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa. The home side secured a crucial victory in front of their supporters, putting themselves in a better position ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.
Mombasa united players celebrating after scoring against Kariobangi Sharks
However, Kariobangi Sharks remain firmly in the fight after scoring a valuable goal away from home. The result means Mombasa United will travel to Nairobi with a one-goal advantage, while Sharks will need to overturn the deficit in the second leg to maintain their place in Kenya’s top flight.
The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Nairobi, with the two teams battling for a place in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League. The playoff is being used to determine the league’s 18th and final team for the new season. Mombasa United finished third in the National Super League, while Kariobangi Sharks ended the previous FKF Premier League campaign in 16th position.
For Mombasa United, the 2–1 victory provides an important advantage, but the tie is far from settled. They will need to protect their aggregate lead in Nairobi if they are to secure promotion to the top flight. Kariobangi Sharks, on the other hand, will draw confidence from the goal they scored in Mombasa. A victory by two clear goals in the return leg would see them overturn the deficit, while a one-goal win would bring the aggregate score level and leave the tie to the competition’s applicable deciding procedure. The stage is therefore set for a decisive second leg in Nairobi, with Mombasa United leading 2–1 on aggregate.