Mombasa United made a strong start to their promotion/relegation playoff campaign after defeating Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in the first leg played in Mombasa.

United made good use of their home advantage and secured a crucial victory that gives them a significant boost ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, in Nairobi.

Despite the defeat, Kariobangi Sharks have something to build on after scoring one goal away from home. The result leaves them with an opportunity to turn the tie around in the second leg, where they will need a sufficient victory to level the aggregate score or progress to the FKF Premier League.

The match was part of the playoff to determine which team will compete in the FKF Premier League during the 2026/27 season.

Mombasa United entered the playoff after finishing third in the National Super League, while Kariobangi Sharks finished 16th in the top-flight league.

United head into the second leg with a 2-1 aggregate advantage, but the tie remains undecided. Sharks will look to make the most of home advantage in the second leg, while Mombasa United will aim to protect their first-leg lead.

Under the two-legged playoff format, the team with the higher aggregate score after both matches will earn the opportunity to compete in the FKF Premier League next season.