Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti has revealed how he masterminded the elimination of Tusker FC from the Football Kenya Federation 24/25 (FKF) Cup on Saturday evening at the Dandora Stadium.
United advanced to the Round of 16 after a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
David PolePole gave Tusker the lead in the first half, before Michael Karamor equalized in the second half, forcing the match into penalties.
Nairobi United successfully converted all their penalties—John Otieno, Adams Nyambane, Brian Ogutu, Jim Ouma and Karamor all finding the back of the net.
In contrast, Tusker missed one spot-kick, George Kaddu’s attempt was saved by goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, while John Njuguna, Alex Onchwari, PolePole and Collins Odhiambo all scored, but it was not enough to avoid elimination.
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Muyoti acknowledged that the victory was hard-earned, noting that his team started the match slowly.
He had to make three key tactical changes in the second half, which eventually helped them seize the opportunity.
“I want to thank God for this win today. It was not an easy match. We started a bit sluggishly and did not create many chances in the first half—actually, we had just one. In the second half, I made changes, boosting both our attacking and midfield departments.
I brought on Karamor and Frankie as strikers and added a midfielder. They all contributed to the result we wanted creating chances that led to the equalizer,” Muyoti explained to Sportpesa Blog after the match.
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He further stated that the win would provide a morale boost for the squad as they head into the Round of 16 and continue their National Super League campaign.
“This victory is a huge morale booster for the team, especially considering our position in the league. The players’ morale will rise, but we can’t afford to relax.
We must keep working hard because the league matches are no easy, and the FKF Cup presents its own challenges. We must give everything,” he added.
Nairobi United now face another formidable opponent, KCB, in the round of 16. Muyoti will need to prepare his team thoroughly for this match in order to progress to the quarter-finals.
FKF Cup 2025 Sunday results
Kibera Soccer 3-0 Ishiara
Gor Mahia 5-0 Githurai Allstars
Kakamega Veterans 1(3)-(4)1 Kapenguria United
Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 Samitsi
Bidco United 1-0 Far East United
Fortune Sacco 2(3)-(4)2 Murang’a Seal
Ulinzi Stars 6-0 Jumbo
Shabana 5-0 Plantech
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