Mombasa United took a narrow advantage in the Kenyan Premier League/National Super League promotion playoff after edging Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in the first leg in Mombasa.

Dennis Toeri and Tanzanian striker Rashidi Waziri scored for the hosts, while Dalvin Wayne grabbed a late goal for Sharks to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg in Nairobi on October 6.

United made a lively start and nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Jackson Watee found space inside the box, but his effort flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Christian Lubulu also went close moments later before Sharks responded through Franklin Amolo, who failed to convert a close-range opportunity.

Watee threatened again with a header inside the penalty area, forcing Sharks goalkeeper Collins Obwalo into an important save.

Mombasa United continued to create the better chances before the break, with Rodgers Agal missing a good opportunity in the 43rd minute after failing to keep his effort on target.

The hosts made a change at halftime, introducing Khamis Abdulrahman for Adeyemi Mogbodemu, and the substitution helped inject more urgency into their attack.

United eventually made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Toeri converted from the penalty spot to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Waziri doubled the advantage 12 minutes later, tapping home from close range after Abdulrahman beat two defenders before delivering the decisive pass.

Sharks, however, gave themselves hope in the 82nd minute when Wayne converted Eusters Chasara’s cross to cut the deficit.

United survived the closing stages to secure the win, although the one-goal margin leaves the promotion playoff finely balanced.

Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moallin said he was pleased with the result.

“It was a tough match. We anticipated it would be like that. Kariobangi Sharks are good with the ball, but I am happy we won. As it seems, it is far from over,” Moallin said.

Sharks coach William Muluya said his side would regroup ahead of the return fixture.

“We have lost, but now we have to go back to the drawing board and plan for the second leg,” Muluya said.

The two sides will meet again in Nairobi on October 6, with a place in the Kenyan Premier League at stake.

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