Mombasa United took a crucial step towards securing a place in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League after beating Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in a pulsating promotion/relegation playoff first leg at a packed Mbaraki Sports Club on Thursday.

The Mombasa crowd turned out in huge numbers, filling the venue to capacity and creating a sea of blue, with supporters proudly donning replicas carrying the “Tembea Mombasa” message as the coastal side looked to make home advantage count.

The high-profile clash also attracted Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, alongside scores of other leaders and local dignitaries, underlining the significance of the encounter to the coastal football community.

With only one place in the 18-team Premier League at stake, neither side was willing to take unnecessary risks in the opening exchanges. The first half was largely cagey, with both defences maintaining their shape and chances coming at a premium.

Mombasa United came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval when Jamal Oporia stepped up to take a free-kick in the 35th minute. His effort appeared destined to cause problems, but Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Collins Omondi reacted well to push the ball over the crossbar.

The game changed after the break as both teams raised the tempo and Mombasa United began putting greater pressure on the Sharks defence.

The hosts finally found the breakthrough in the 65th minute when defender Denis Toeri struck to send the home crowd into celebration and give Mombasa United a 1-0 advantage.

Sharks were forced to chase the game, but Mombasa United continued to threaten and doubled their lead in the 76th minute. Waziri Shentembo finished off a move created by Hakim Mzee to make it 2-0 and put the hosts firmly in control.

But Kariobangi Sharks refused to go down without a fight.

Six minutes later, they pulled one back when Wayne Dalvine Otieno found the net from close range in the 83rd minute, giving the Nairobi side a vital lifeline heading into the second leg.

Mombasa United held on through the closing stages to secure a 2-1 victory, giving them the advantage after the opening 90 minutes.

The result gives the coastal side a narrow lead, but Sharks leave Mbaraki with an important away goal and the tie remains firmly alive.

The decisive return leg will be played on Tuesday, October 6, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, where the aggregate winner will claim the final place in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League, while the losing side will compete in the National Super League.