Nairobi United stun Gor Mahia to win FKF Cup

National Super League (NLS) champions Nairobi United edged out Gor Mahia 2-1 on Sunday to clinch the Mozzart Cup title in a match played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Nairobi took a shocking lead in the 6th minute through forward Frank Ouya who converted an acrobatic effort after some lacklustre defending from Gor from a throw-in.

Gor Mahia leveled the score in the 37th minute through on-loan midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi, who was set up by winger Shariff Musa. The two sides went into the break tied at 1-1, with both teams missing good chances to take the lead.

In the second half, both sides came out more rejuvenated, displaying greater urgency and attacking intent.

Nairobi United reclaimed the lead in the 73rd minute through Enock Machaka’s emphatic finish from outside the box, setting them on course for their second piece of silverware this season, having won NSL and earned promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League (FKF) just a week earlier.

Moments later, Nairobi United thought they had extended their lead when substitute striker Michael Karamor found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The same scenario unfolded on the other end when Benson Omalla tapped in what looked like Gor’s equalizer, only for assistant referee Gilbert Cheruyiot to flag for offside.

The match had more drama in store as Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty in the final moments after Odhiambo was brought down in the box. This time, referee Philip Brooks pointed to the spot without hesitation.

It was a golden chance for Gor to equalize and push the game into extra time, but Alpha Onyango’s effort was denied by goalkeeper Ernest Muhamad, sparking wild celebrations among the Nairobi United supporters as their team held on for the win.

The win not only secured Nairobi United a major trophy but also came with a Sh2 million cash prize and a historic qualification to represent Kenya in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

For Gor Mahia, the defeat meant they ended the season without a trophy, having also lost the FKF Premier League title to Kenya Police.

Elsewhere in the third-place playoff, Murang’a Seal FC edged out Mara Sugar 1-0 in a tightly contested match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, earning a Sh750,000 cash prize for their efforts.

Chances were limited early on, with Mara’s Erick Juma missing a good opportunity and Murang’a’s John Kiplangat testing goalkeeper Felix Adoyo twice.

The breakthrough came just eight minutes into the second half when substitute Victor Haki connected with a pinpoint cross from Joseph Omuoma to head home the winner.

Despite late pressure from Mara Sugar, Murang’a Seal held their ground to claim third place.

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