FKF Awards Mombasa United 2-0 Win, Confirms Promotion After Sharks Forfeit Play-Off

Story by Monyonge Kebati

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has awarded Mombasa United FC a 2–0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks FC following the abandonment of their promotion-relegation play-off, confirming the coastal side as aggregate winners and securing their promotion to the 2026/2027 SportPesa League season.

In a decision delivered on Friday, October 9, 2026, the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee ruled that Kariobangi Sharks were responsible for the abandonment of the second-leg encounter played at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on October 6.

The committee found that the match was disrupted in the 64th minute after Kariobangi Sharks players approached the centre referee to protest his decision to award Mombasa United a penalty.

According to the ruling, Kariobangi Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno, alongside a section of the club’s supporters, subsequently invaded the pitch and physically assaulted the referee.

The injured official later informed match commissioner Nassur Doka that he was unable to continue, forcing the match to be called off. The incident was reported at Lang’ata Police Station under OB No. 56/6/10/2026, according to the committee’s decision.

Mombasa United secure promotion

Citing Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the committee ordered Kariobangi Sharks to forfeit the match, awarding Mombasa United a 2–0 victory.

The ruling further declared Mombasa United the aggregate play-off winners, earning them a place in the top flight for the 2026/2027 season.

Mombasa United had won the first leg 2–1 at Mbaraki Sports Club on October 1 before the return fixture in Nairobi ended prematurely amid protests and disorder.

At the time of abandonment, Kariobangi Sharks were leading 2–1 on the day, leaving the aggregate score tied at 3–3. The penalty awarded to Mombasa United had not been taken when the match was stopped.

Disciplinary action to follow

The committee also referred matters relating to the reported violence and misconduct during the match to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and possible sanctions.

The decision was signed by Peter Kamau Chege, chairman of the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, following a hearing held on October 9.

The ruling brings the play-off dispute to a decisive stage, with Mombasa United set to compete in the SportPesa League while Kariobangi Sharks face the consequences of the forfeiture decision.