Frank Ouya’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory for Nairobi United over Naivas FC in the National Super League (NSL) fifth round fixture held at Dandora Stadium on Saturday morning.
This win propelled Nairobi United to the top of the second-tier league, now boasting ten points, one ahead of leaders 3K, who were scheduled to face MOFA later that day. It marked their third victory of the season and their second since management responsibilities were transferred to Sakaja Foundation last month.
Ouya opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading the ball into the net after Majaliwa Charo provided a precise cross from the right side. Nairobi United created the first opportunity of the match in the fifth minute when Kevin Otiende sent a fine cross from the left, but Naivas FC goalkeeper Wycliff Oduor made a crucial save.
Naivas responded with Newton Ochieng’s first shot on target, which was easily stopped by Nairobi United’s goalkeeper, Ernest Mohammed. Majaliwa, the tricky left-footed winger for Nairobi United, nearly extended the lead in the 18th minute, but his effort struck the post.
Desperate for an equalizer, Naivas’s Newton Ochieng fired a long-range shot in the 21st minute, but it missed the target. Nairobi United almost doubled their lead in the 23rd minute, but Duncan Omalla’s goal was disallowed for offside.
Naivas FC missed a chance to level the score when Boniface Maundu’s free kick hit the wall in the 70th minute, sealing a narrow win for Nairobi United.
The Collins “Korea’ Omondi coached side continued to press for an equalizer and forward Athuman Rashid saw his shot saved by Ernest Mohammed in the 80th minute.
In a post-match interview, Nairobi United head coach David Mwaura said despite the win his charges wasted more chances.
“It was a hard match, we had the chance to score more goals but failed to use our chances. We will go back to training and work on our finishing.”
His opposite number Omondi said there was a lot to be done for his side that has lost two successive matches.
“It was like a derby and it wasn’t an easy match. We have now lost two matches in a row, we have a lot to work on as we move on.”
In another round five fixture, MCF played to a goalless draw against Mohoroni Youth at Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
In other fixtures, SS Asad host ASP Bomet in Ukunda, Fortune Sacco play against Kisumu All Stars with Luanda Villa hosting Darajani Gogo.
