National Super League match postponed due to inclement weather

The National Super League (NSL) fixture between Shabana FC and Mombasa Elite was on Thursday called off due to heavy rainfall.

The game got underway at 15h00 as scheduled despite the rainy weather at Simeon Nyachae Stadium in Kisii.

However, the game was initially stopped by the referee at the halftime break, and after consultations with various stakeholders, the game was eventually abandoned.

At that time, the two teams were locked at 1-1, with Shabana having opened the scoring in the third minute of the match courtesy of Isaac Otieno, with the visitors finding an equalizer with four minutes remaining to the end of the first stanza.

Lighting was also reported near the venue, which contributed to the match commissioner calling off the game due to the safety of the players.

Both clubs have since stated that the game has been pushed to Friday at the same venue, with the kickoff set for noon.

Football Kenya Federation Kisii Branch officially confirmed this decision, indicating the time change has been prompted by the need to prevent the match from being rained off again, as the region is experiencing heavy rains in the morning and late afternoons.

Previously, once a storm had moved away, the match officials would decide if the game would be continued.

The new FIFA rules prescribe an actual radius in kilometers that the lightning must be from the stadium.

This was the second NSL match to be affected by weather conditions this month after the game between Gusii FC and Kajiado FC was affected on April 8 at Simeon Nyachae Stadium.