National Super League (NSL) champions Nairobi United completed a historic season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over giants Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday evening.
Frank Ouya got Nairobi United off to a dream start in the 6th minute, scoring an acrobatic overhead kick after Gor’s defence failed to clear Duncan Omalla’s long throw-in. The early goal sent the underdogs into wild celebration as K’Ogalo looked stunned.
Gor Mahia responded in the 37th minute through Ben Stanley Omondi, who buried a low shot from the edge of the area after a scramble involving Austin Odhiambo and Shariff Musa. The equaliser gave Gor momentum heading into halftime.
The second half initially saw both sides struggle to break each other down, but the game came alive again after a nervy moment for Nairobi keeper Ernest Muhammad, who spilled Odhiambo’s freekick in the 67th minute. Luckily for him, his defenders reacted quickly to clear the danger.
The breakthrough came moments later, and it was a moment of magic. Enock Machaka, set up in midfield, took a single touch, looked up, and unleashed a thunderbolt from range that flew past Gor keeper Kevin Omondi — a goal worthy of winning any final.
Gor Mahia had a golden opportunity to draw level in the 86th minute when Odhiambo was fouled in the box. But Muhammad redeemed himself, diving to his right to deny Alpha Onyango’s penalty and seal a famous win for the NSL side.
With this victory, Nairobi United not only claim their first major silverware but also earn the honour of representing Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
