- Nairobi United kicked off their debut in the SportPesa League with a crucial 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar.
- The match took place at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
- Michael Ovella Ochieng marked his first season with the new club by scoring the decisive goal.
Nairobi United kicked off their debut in the Sportpesa League with a massive win, grinding out a 0-1 victory against Mara Sugar on Wednesday afternoon at the Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County.
New signing Michael Ovella Ochieng etched his name into the club’s history books by scoring the decisive goal, propelling the Naibois to a dream start in their inaugural top-flight campaign. The side had earned promotion after emerging champions of the National Super League last season.
A special mention goes to their dependable goalkeeper Bernard Jairo, who stood tall between the posts to keep a clean sheet.
He thwarted numerous attempts from the Millers, who were desperate for their first win of the season in what was their second outing. Despite posing serious threats throughout the encounter, they couldn’t find the breakthrough on home turf.
At the Awendo, the opening half-hour passed with neither side creating clear-cut opportunities, as both defences held firm in a tightly contested and cautious affair. The midfield battle remained evenly matched, and neither flank could mount threatening runs due to repeated turnovers in central areas.
It took Nairobi United just four minutes after the restart to find their historic first top-tier goal. Ovella Ochieng unleashed a thunderous strike following a long throw-in from Dancan Omalla on the left.
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Mara Sugar Defender Jimmy Owili’s attempted clearance fell perfectly for the former AFC Leopards winger, who made no mistake in burying the opportunity.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead in the 56th minute through Michael Karamow, who surged forward with purpose, only to see his tame right-footed shot comfortably collected by Evans Omondi as United maintained their dominance.
Sensing the urgency, Mara Sugar’s head coach Edward Manoah made a double substitution, introducing David Omondi and Swaleh Abdallah for Silas Onongo and Dennis Cheruiyot to inject fresh energy.
The changes nearly paid dividends moments later when Omondi connected with a brilliant volleyed pass from David Owino. His powerful header seemed destined for the net, but Jairo once again came to United’s rescue with a reflex save to preserve the lead.
Nairobi head coach Anthony Muyoti responded in the 66th minute, bringing on Brian Ogutu and Gedeon Omondi for Omalla and Shami Kibwana, both of whom had contributed significantly to the team’s performance.
Mara Sugar had another golden opportunity in the 76th minute. Swaleh Abdallah broke away on a swift counterattack, only to be denied by a well-positioned Jairo. Moments later, he produced another crucial stop from Omondi’s close-range header, reinforcing his status as the game’s unsung hero.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Nairobi United remained composed at the back, managing the final minutes with maturity and discipline. Their resilience paid off as they secured a historic first-ever victory in the SportPesa League, kicking off the 2025/26 season on a high note.
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Mara Sugar vs Nairobi United Sportpesa League match lineups
Mara Sugar: Evans Omondi, Thomas Harun, Drona Openda, Robinson Musungu, Jimmy Owili, Kelvin Mwavali, David Owino, Silas Onongo, Timothy Ndayala, Dennis Cheruiyot, Brian Ochieng.
Nairobi United: Bernard Jairo, Kevin Otiende, John Otieno, Daniel Bichok, Prince Buregeya, Brian Omondi, Lesly Owino, Dancan Omalla, Ovella Ochieng, Michael Karamow, Shami Mwinyi Kibwana.