Former league champions Sofapaka produced a clinical performance to hand debutants and Kenya’s CAF Confederation Cup representatives Nairobi United a 3-0 defeat at Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The 2009 SportPesa League winners looked sharp and composed, punishing every lapse from the home side to collect their second win of the season.
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Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti made a number of changes to the team that eliminated Etoile Sportive du Sahel in continental action, resting key players such as Duncan Omala and Kevin Oduor, while Lennox Ogutu and Michael Karamor started from the bench.
On the other end, Coach Ezekiel Akwana made only two changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Mara Sugar, with Stanley Lugalia and Joseph Kuloba both earning starts after scoring in that fixture.
The game began at a cautious pace, both sides testing each other’s defensive organization.
Nairobi United were the first to threaten in the 5th minute when Isaac Omweri combined well with Enock Machaka, but Sofapaka goalkeeper Edward Olak comfortably dealt with the resulting cross.
Three minutes later, Shaibu Iddrisu delivered a teasing free kick into the box that narrowly missed contact from any of his teammates.
Nairobi United continued to press, and in the 12th minute, Omweri released Shami Kibwana through on goal, only for Olak to react quickly and smother the danger.
Moments later, Sofapaka hit back on the counter. Lugalia’s clever pass found Kuloba , who calmly slotted home in the 13th minute to give the visitors an early lead.
Nairobi United tried to respond, with their captain Daniel Bichiok heading narrowly wide from a corner in the 33rd minute. Kibwana also tested Olak from range, but the Sofapaka keeper produced a fine save to keep his side ahead at the break.
In the second half, Sofapaka looked more dangerous. Kuloba and Simiyu combined well in the 63rd minute, but Prince Buregeya’s block denied them a second goal.
Akwana then made double changes, introducing Bramuel Simiyu and Ezekiel Namale, while Nairobi United responded by bringing in Karamor and Ogutu in search of an equalizer.
Their hopes were dashed late on. In the 85th minute, substitute Bramwel Simiyu doubled Sofapaka’s lead with a thunderous strike that left goalkeeper Benard Jairo rooted to the spot.
Three minutes later, Japheth Mzungu, who had been lively throughout the match, sealed the win with a low drive into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Sofapaka stun Nairobi United at Dandora Stadium
After the match, Coach Muyoti praised his opponents.
“Congratulations to Sofapaka for the win. They did their assignment well. As for my side, we created chances but failed to capitalize. We also rested some players, but that’s not an excuse,” he said.
The victory pushes Sofapaka up the table with two wins from five matches, while Nairobi United will be left to reflect on missed chances as they continue to adapt to top-flight football.
Meanwhile, in Awendo, Mara Sugar settled for yet another home draw after being held to a goalless stalemate by Bandari FC, marking the visitors’ fourth draw on the road this season.