NSL Relegation Battle Heats Up as the Season Nears Its End

The National Super League (NSL) 2024 season is entering its most dramatic and nerve-wracking phase yet, with the relegation battle intensifying at the bottom of the table. With only a few matches remaining, three teams—Migori Youth, Mombasa Stars, and SS Assad FC—are locked in a fierce struggle to avoid the dreaded drop to Division One.

Two of these three teams will be relegated, meaning only one will survive. As things stand:

• Migori Youth sit 16th with 29 points
• Mombasa Stars are 17th, also with 29 points but with an inferior goal difference
• SS Assad FC are bottom (18th) with 22 points

Let’s take a closer look at how each team can stay alive.

SS Assad FC’s Battle for Survival: The Road to Avoiding Relegation

• Current Position: 18th
• Points: 22
• Matches Left: 4
  • Home vs Mombasa Stars
  • Away vs Nairobi United
  • Home vs Migori Youth
  • Away vs APS Bomet

What They Need:
Assad FC must win at least 3 out of 4 matches to reach 31 points—which could be enough, depending on how Migori and Mombasa perform.

Key Fixtures:

• The home match vs Mombasa Stars is a direct six-pointer. A win would drag Mombasa back and boost Assad’s chances significantly.
• Beating Migori Youth at home would also be a crucial blow to a fellow struggler.

Ideal Scenario for Survival:

• Win vs Mombasa Stars
• Win vs Migori Youth
• At least a draw vs APS Bomet or Nairobi United

That would put Assad at 32 points. If either Mombasa or Migori fail to hit 32 points, SS Assad FC survives.

Bottom Line:
Assad must treat every game like a final and aim for at least three wins. Six-pointers against Mombasa and Migori will determine their fate.

How Mombasa Stars Can Survive Relegation

• Current Position: 17th
• Points: 29
• Matches Remaining: 3
  • Away vs SS Assad FC
  • Home vs MCF
  • Home vs Samwest Blackboots

What They Need:
Just 1 win and 1 draw (34 points) could be enough, especially if Migori loses more than once or Assad fails to hit 31.

Key Fixtures:

• The showdown away to SS Assad is huge. A win would effectively end Assad’s hopes while boosting Stars’ chances.
• Home ties against MCF and Samwest Blackboots offer a realistic path to safety.

Ideal Scenario for Survival:

• Beat SS Assad FC
• Draw vs MCF
• Draw or win vs Samwest Blackboots

That takes Mombasa Stars to 33–35 points, which should be enough regardless of what Migori does.

Bottom Line:
Mombasa Stars are in the best position. Two home matches and a direct rival in Assad—survival is in their hands.

How Migori Youth Can Survive Relegation

• Current Position: 16th
• Points: 29
• Matches Remaining: 4
  • Away vs Samwest Blackboots
  • Home vs Luanda Villa
  • Away vs SS Assad FC
  • Home vs Nzoia Sugar

What They Need:
Migori must collect at least 4 points to hit 33, assuming the other teams don’t all win their remaining matches.

Key Fixtures:

• The trip to SS Assad FC is a make-or-break. A win would bury Assad and help Migori climb to safety.
• A win at home vs Luanda Villa or Nzoia Sugar could make the difference.

Ideal Scenario for Survival:

• Win vs Luanda Villa
• Draw vs Samwest or Nzoia
• Avoid defeat vs SS Assad

That puts Migori at 33–34 points, likely enough to survive unless Mombasa Stars pick up maximum points.

Bottom Line:
Migori Youth must grab points in at least two matches. Their fate may depend on results elsewhere, but a win against Luanda Villa or SS Assad is crucial.

Final Verdict: Who Will Survive?

With matches involving direct relegation rivals, anything can happen. Here’s a quick comparison:

The battle will likely go down to the final matchday. One thing is clear: each team must fight for every point as the NSL season draws to a thrilling close.