With only three Premier League games remaining, the Bees’ explosive victory keeps their continental ambitions alive — and puts more pressure on United amid fresh injury worries and tactical questions.

First Half Drama: Mount Strikes, But Brentford Hit Back

United started brightly, with Mason Mount opening the scoring in the 14th minute after meeting a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho — only his second goal since joining the Red Devils.

But Brentford quickly struck back in the 27th minute when Mikkel Damsgaard’s cross deflected off Luke Shaw and found the net, leveling the match. The United skipper endured a torrid evening, struggling to lead a heavily rotated side fielded by manager Ruben Amorim.

Just minutes later, Schade rose above Tyler Fredricson to nod in Damsgaard’s delivery, putting Brentford ahead 2–1 and sending the home crowd into raptures.

United’s players were incensed that play hadn’t been halted when Matthijs de Ligt pulled up injured during the build-up to the goal.

Schade Shines as Bees Dominate Second Half

Brentford continued their charge in the second half, with Bryan Mbeumo delivering a pinpoint cross in the 70th minute for Schade, who headed home his second and Brentford’s third.

Just four minutes later, Yoane Wissa made it 4–1, latching onto Michael Kayode’s clever pass to finish clinically as United’s defence unraveled.

Despite late goals from Garnacho (82’) — a brilliant long-range effort — and Amad Diallo in injury time, Brentford held firm to secure all three points in one of the season’s most entertaining clashes.

De Ligt Injury Adds to United’s Woes

A major concern for United is the condition of Matthijs de Ligt, who limped off clutching his hamstring just weeks after recovering from an ankle injury. With a Europa League semi-final looming, manager Ruben Amorim admitted he was “really concerned” about the Dutch international’s availability.

Amorim had made significant squad rotations, starting only three players from their recent 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao — a decision that ultimately backfired.

Brentford Making History

With 62 league goals this season — bettered only by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle — Brentford are peaking at just the right time. Schade’s double took him to 10 goals, making him the third Brentford player to hit double digits in the league, a feat no other Premier League club has matched this season.

With remaining fixtures against Ipswich, Fulham, and Wolves, Brentford’s dream of qualifying for Europe for the first time since 1992 is very much alive.

Over the Easter weekend, the coastal team put on a commanding performance, finishing atop the leaderboard with an impressive 48 gross points over four competitive rounds. Their emphatic win not only secured their inaugural title but also etched their name into the legacy of Kenya’s most storied amateur golf tournament, now celebrating 100 years.

The tournament was staged at the historic par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club, founded in 1906, and featured nine elite teams from across the country, including hosts Royal Nairobi, Muthaiga, Kenya Railway, Vet Lab, Sigona, Windsor, Western Kenya, and Limuru Country Club.

Strong Start, Stronger Finish

Mombasa opened their campaign with a strong 12-point start in Round 1, followed by a formidable 15 points in Round 2. Despite a dip to 10 points in Round 3, they closed out with 11 points in the final round, finishing a decisive nine points ahead of their closest rivals, Muthaiga Golf Club, who ended on 39 points.

The team was captained by Gurbux Singh and managed by Erick Nyongesa, and included top amateur stars such as Adel Balala and William Odeck, both of whom recently competed at the 2025 Magical Kenya Open. They were joined by seasoned KAGC Series players Sammy Mulama and Henry Kamau, along with rising junior talent Nathan Ngweno, who also made a vital contribution to the team’s success.

“This win means the world to us,” said team captain Gurbux Singh. “It’s not just about the trophy—this is about discipline, belief, and years of hard work. We’re deeply grateful to NCBA for their unwavering support over the past three years. This victory is theirs too.”

Final Standings Snapshot

• Mombasa Golf Club – 48 points
• Muthaiga Golf Club – 39 points
• Kenya Railway & Vet Lab – 35 points each
• Sigona & Western Kenya – 30 points
• Windsor – 29 points
• Royal Nairobi – 26 points
• Limuru – 16 points

Despite home advantage, defending champions Royal Nairobi Golf Club settled for 8th position, while Limuru Country Club finished at the bottom.

Senior Team Leads by Example

Mombasa’s senior squad also made headlines earlier in the week, dominating their category with a combined gross score of 477 (239 and 238). They were closely followed by Western Kenya (480) and Royal Nairobi (481)—setting the tone for the club’s all-round success.

NCBA Bank Applauds the Champions

At the awards ceremony, NCBA Bank’s Corporate Banking Director Charles Omondi lauded Mombasa’s performance and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting sports and community development.

“We are incredibly proud of Mombasa Golf Club,” said Omondi. “At NCBA, we believe in nurturing platforms that cultivate discipline, character, and unity. Partnering with this team has been a privilege, and their triumph shows the power of consistent support and shared growth.”

As the Tannahill Shield celebrates 100 years of excellence, Mombasa Golf Club’s historic triumph is not just a victory—it’s a defining moment for Kenyan coastal golf and a signal of even greater potential on the horizon.

After opening with a five-over-par 76 that left him in fourth, Manji found his groove in round two, carding five birdies to finish with an impressive one-over-par 72. His two-round total of six-over-par 148 gives him a three-stroke lead heading into the weekend.

“I stayed calm, played my game, and trusted my swing,” said Manji, now in pole position to claim the title with two rounds left.

Beiju Fades, Shah Slips, But Manji Rises

Overnight co-leader Krish Beiju couldn’t match his day-one form and dropped to second place after a difficult round.

Krish Shah had an up-and-down day that included three birdies, four bogeys, and three double bogeys. His round of 80 left him at nine-over-par 151, still within striking range but needing a bounce-back.

Kevin Anyien’s Comeback Lights Up Muthaiga

The performance of the day belonged to Kevin Anyien, who wasn’t even in the top ten after round one. Following a rough 82 on day one, Anyien delivered a dramatic turnaround with the lowest score of the day — a one-under-par 70.

That round featured five birdies, two bogeys, and a single double bogey, bringing his total to ten-over-par 152.

“I knew I had to go low to stay in it. I just focused on one shot at a time,” Anyien said.

He now sits just four shots behind Manji, with momentum clearly on his side.

Kanana Muthomi Leads the Girls’ Pack

Kanana Muthomi continues to hold her own among the boys, posting a solid 76 in round two to sit at 14-over-par 156. Currently in seventh place overall, she remains the top-ranked girl in the tournament and a dark horse for a podium finish.

Big Names Miss Cut as Field Narrows to 32

Only 32 of the original 99 players advanced past the cut line.

Among the early exits was Ivan Nalima, who admitted to falling short of expectations.

“My putting let me down. I’ll take the lessons and come back stronger,” Nalima said after his exit.

Also bowing out was Kayden Wissanji, who was forced to withdraw due to injury despite a promising front nine.

“I pushed as far as I could, but the pain was too much. I had to make the tough call,” he shared.

Eyes on the Weekend: Can Manji Hold On?

With round three teeing off at 7:00 a.m., all eyes will be on Manji as he looks to fend off a hungry chasing pack. But with Kevin Anyien heating up and seasoned players like Shah and Beiju in striking distance, the championship is far from decided.

The match had been postponed from Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch following heavy rains, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirming the rescheduled fixture via their X (formerly Twitter) account:

“KCB vs Gor Mahia match was unable to be played due poor pitch conditions and will be played tomorrow Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m.”

First Half: Odhiambo’s Moment of Magic

Gor Mahia entered the match fresh from a 1-1 draw in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, sitting on 43 points, while KCB were at 40 points after their recent 2-2 tie with Kakamega Homeboyz.

The match started with intensity, but Gor Mahia suffered an early blow when defender Kennedy Onyango was injured just six minutes in and replaced by Geoffrey Ochieng.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, when Austin Odhiambo curled in a brilliant free-kick, handing Gor a vital lead. The 22-time champions maintained pressure, although defender Sylvester Owino was cautioned just before halftime.

Second Half Drama and a Red Card

Tensions flared in the second half, and Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic was shown a red card in the 49th minute for dissent on the sidelines.

KCB nearly found the equalizer in the 64th minute through a well-taken free kick, but Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews made a spectacular save to deny them.

Despite late pressure from KCB, the solitary goal by Odhiambo remained decisive, sealing a narrow 1-0 win for Gor Mahia.

Updated League Standings

• Gor Mahia: 46 points (with a game in hand)
• Tusker FC: 48 points
• Kenya Police: 49 points

The result positions Gor Mahia firmly back in the title race, just three points behind league leaders Kenya Police and with a crucial game in hand.

Beyond the half-marathon, Kandie has demonstrated exceptional versatility. He holds a remarkable 10km personal best of 26:50, achieved in 2022, and clocked an impressive 2:04:48 in the marathon in 2023. His contributions were also instrumental in securing Kenya’s gold medal at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.

Kenya continues to face heightened scrutiny due to a rising number of doping cases among its elite runners. Kandie’s suspension remains provisional as investigations into the matter progress.

As the countdown to the globally renowned motorsport event begins, KCB is integrating green initiatives into its rally sponsorship to enhance sustainability in Kenya.

KCB Rally Drivers Join Conservation Efforts

KCB-sponsored drivers, including Evans Kavisi and rally sensation Tinashe Gatimu, have teamed up with the bank to promote environmental stewardship alongside their motorsport preparations.

Gatimu, who is part of the KCB racing team, has been fine-tuning her Subaru GC8 for the high-profile rally while actively participating in conservation efforts.

The tree-planting exercise, held at Karuri Primary School and Gachie High School in Nairobi, aligns with Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion-tree goal by 2032.

KCB Invests Sh1 Million in Conservation

KCB Group has allocated Sh1 million from its WRC Safari Rally sponsorship toward conservation initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to community engagement, education, and environmental impact in rallying.

In 2025, KCB Group aims to plant 3,000 more trees, adding to the 100,000+ trees it has planted since 2021.

KCB Rally Team’s Role in Environmental Conservation

KCB-sponsored rally drivers, including Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, and Evans Kavisi, along with their navigators, continue to play an active role in the bank’s long-term afforestation efforts.

KCB Group’s Marketing and Communication Director, Rosalind Gichuru, and rally driver Tinashe Gatimu shared their insights after participating in the tree-planting exercise at Karuri Primary School.

“Sustainability is at the core of KCB’s initiatives, and through motorsport, we are integrating conservation efforts to make a lasting impact,” Gichuru stated.

As world rally enthusiasts prepare to converge in Kenya for the WRC Safari Rally, KCB remains committed to balancing sports excellence with environmental responsibility.

Stay updated for more developments on KCB’s sustainability efforts and WRC Safari Rally 2025!

Experienced Leaders

Onyala and Humwa were part of the Shujaa squad that competed in the 2022 Tokyo Olympics, where Kenya finished 9th, winning two out of the five matches played.

Consistent Selection

Head coach Kevin Wambua has retained the team that played in the HSBC Challenger series, which successfully secured promotion to the World Series at the finals held in Madrid. Festus Shiasi and Dennis Abukuse from the Kenya Morans squad will join the team in France as traveling reserves, while Brian Mutua will serve as a training reserve.

Path to Qualification

Kenya qualified for the Olympics as the African Champions, having defeated South Africa 17-12 in the final of the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens in Harare, Zimbabwe. Shujaa is placed in Pool B alongside SVNS League winners and world number two Argentina, Australia, and Samoa.

Competitive Pools

Pool A features top seeds New Zealand clashing with Ireland, Japan, and World Rugby Sevens Repechage winners South Africa. Hosts France, aiming to replicate their winning form from the HSBC SVNS Grand Final, are in Pool C with double Olympic champions Fiji, USA, and debutants Uruguay.

Coach’s Confidence

Wambua remains confident ahead of the Summer Games, emphasizing the importance of effort, commitment, and preparation for Shujaa’s success. “The team has been in camp, and we are pleased with how well we have gelled together. Each player has shown dedication and commitment, both on and off the field. We are ready to give our very best at the Olympics. Our preparation has been intense, focusing on refining our skills and strategies,” Wambua said.

Commitment to Success

“We are determined to represent Kenya with pride and aim to make a significant impact in Paris. With the support of our fans and the nation behind us, we are confident in our abilities and look forward to competing at the highest level,” he added.

Kenya 7s Squad for the Olympics

• Vincent Onyala (CC)
• Tony Omondi (CC)
• John Okoth
• Kevin Wekesa
• George Ooro
• Samuel Asati
• Nigel Amaitsa
• Brian Tanga
• Patrick Odongo
• Lamech Ambetsa
• Chrisant Ojwang
• Herman Humwa

Traveling Reserves

• Festus Shiasi
• Dennis Abukuse
• Brian Mutua (Training reserve)

Bukayo Saka exhibited nerves of steel as he calmly dispatched the penalty, earned through Kai Havertz’s skillful play that forced a foul from Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers. The Emirates erupted as Saka coolly slotted the ball home, setting the stage for Arsenal’s continued dominance.

In the 70th minute, Arsenal further solidified their lead when Leandro Trossard seized the opportunity presented by Declan Rice’s pinpoint assist, elegantly curling the ball past the opposition’s defense and into the back of the net from inside the area.

As the clock ticked down, Rice himself got in on the action, finding the back of the net in added time and bolstering Arsenal’s goal difference, much to the delight of the fans.

Despite Bournemouth’s spirited resurgence in the second half, with Dominic Solanke threatening Arsenal’s defense and testing goalkeeper David Raya, the Gunners held firm, demonstrating unwavering composure in the face of mounting pressure.

Any hopes of a late comeback for Bournemouth were dashed when an apparent goal by Antoine Semenyo was disallowed due to a foul by Solanke on Raya, further frustrating the visitors’ efforts.

Even as the game approached its conclusion, Arsenal continued to press forward, with Gabriel appearing to extend their lead with a late goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside, denying them the opportunity to further capitalize on their dominance.

This emphatic victory sees Arsenal ascend to the top of the league table, though their reign at the summit may be short-lived, with title rivals Manchester City poised to challenge their position later in the day.

The decision follows a request from Alves’ lawyer, who argued that the 40-year-old had already served a quarter of his four-and-a-half-year sentence in pre-trial detention since his arrest in January 2023.

In its ruling, the court granted Alves “provisional release” upon payment of a bail amounting to one million euros. However, certain conditions were imposed, including the surrender of his Spanish and Brazilian passports, remaining in Spain, and appearing in court on a weekly basis.

Despite opposition from public prosecutors, who raised concerns about the risk of flight, the court approved Alves’ release pending appeal.

Alves, one of the most decorated footballers in the world, previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He was convicted of raping a young woman at a nightclub in Barcelona in December 2022, and he was sentenced on February 22. His legal team promptly filed an appeal against the conviction.

During the trial, the victim testified behind a screen to protect her identity, recounting how Alves had allegedly forced her into having sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite her pleas. Prosecutors described the incident as causing her “anguish and terror.”

In defense, Alves’ lawyers argued that there was “sexual tension” between Alves and the victim while they were dancing at the nightclub. However, the court, in its 61-page decision, emphasized that such tension did not imply consent to any subsequent actions.

The case has garnered significant attention due to Alves’ stature in the football world and the serious nature of the allegations against him.

The exhilarating encounter saw Diallo, the Ivorian winger, sent off for a second booking due to excessive celebration, encapsulating the chaotic 120 minutes of action that kept United’s aspirations of silverware alive.

Despite the setback, Erik ten Hag’s United side demonstrated resilience, with a relentless spirit that ultimately led to victory. Facing Championship side Coventry in the semi-finals, United will aim to advance to the final for the second consecutive season.

The match saw dramatic shifts in momentum, with two quick goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah propelling Liverpool ahead after Scott McTominay’s opener. Antony’s crucial goal for United forced extra-time, with Liverpool regaining the lead through Harvey Elliott’s deflected shot.

However, Marcus Rashford’s equalizer in the dying minutes of extra-time ensured a tense finale. Diallo then sealed the triumph for United, scoring his second-ever goal for the club in added time of extra-time, capping off a blistering counter-attack initiated by Alejandro Garnacho.

Reflecting on the pulsating contest, Ten Hag acknowledged the significance of the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, hailing the resilience and determination displayed by his team.

While United’s Premier League campaign trails behind Liverpool by 17 points, the FA Cup victory offers a glimmer of hope for Ten Hag’s tenure. The pressure was palpable, given United’s early exits from the Champions League and League Cup this season.

United’s dominant start to the match, epitomized by McTominay’s opener, underscored their determination to secure a vital victory. Despite Liverpool’s resurgence, United’s resolve proved unyielding, epitomized by Antony’s crucial equalizer.

Liverpool manager Klopp conceded that his team struggled physically, attributing their challenges to a demanding schedule. Despite Liverpool’s efforts, United’s relentless pursuit of victory proved decisive, with Diallo’s goal sealing their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

As the dust settles on a captivating encounter, United’s triumph serves as a testament to their resilience and determination to overcome formidable opposition.