Nairobi United continued their impressive run in the SportPesa League after claiming a 4-2 victory over Kariobangi Sharks in an entertaining clash at Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Coach Nicholas Muyoti made a few tactical adjustments to the side that beat Bandari FC last weekend, introducing goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, defender Lennox Ogutu, and midfielder Brian Magare into the starting lineup.
The attacking trio of Ovella Ochieng’, Dancan Omala, and Michael Karamor was retained, a decision that would once again pay off handsomely.
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On the opposite end, Sharks’ tactician William Muluya handed Frankline Amollo his first league start, while Keagan Ndemi returned to the starting XI after missing out in their goalless draw against Shabana.
Nairobi United outclass Kariobangi Sharks
Muluya’s faith in Amollo was immediately justified, as the forward latched onto a precise through ball and calmly slotted past Kevin Oduor to give Kariobangi Sharks the lead in the second minute.
That early setback woke Nairobi United up, and they responded with intensity. Their pressing and quick transitions soon bore fruit when Michael Karamor found the back of the net in the 11th minute to restore parity.
The hosts grew in confidence, and despite Sharks’ attempts to regain control with Markvivan Kesa coming close twice it was United who took charge of proceedings.
Midfield maestro Enock Machaka, who bossed the center of the park, set up Lesley Otieno in the 34th minute to make it 2-1. Machaka then turned scorer, striking just before halftime to extend United’s lead to 3-1 as the Dandora crowd erupted in delight.
After the break, Muluya made early substitutions in a bid to turn the tide, bringing on defender Faiz Opande and striker Johnson Wakachala.
However, the highlight of the match came in the 58th minute when Michael Karamor produced a moment of magic a thunderous 25-yard strike that sailed past Sebastian Wekesa for what could easily be a goal-of-the-season contender, stretching the lead to 4-1.
Sharks pulled one back in the 67th minute when Timothy Ekhavi’s effort took a deflection to make it 4-2, but despite late pressure, Nairobi United’s defense stood firm.
Coach Muyoti then introduced fresh legs, with Chris Opondo, Majaliwa Charo, Adams Nyambane, and Frank Ouya coming on to stabilize the game and see out the victory.
The result marked Nairobi United’s fourth win of the season, lifting them to third on the log. It was a statement performance one that showed character, resilience, and attacking flair from a side quickly establishing itself as a serious contender in the SportPesa League.
Nairobi Unite vs Kariobangi Sharks line ups
Nairobi United starting line up
Kevin Oduor
Kevin Otiende
John Otieno
Lennox Ogutu
Yusuf Mainge
Brian Magare
Lesley Otieno
Enock Machaka
Ovella Ochieng
Dancan Omala
Michael Karamor
Kariobangi Sharks line up
Sebastian Wekesa
Steve Mbulere
Zablon Kutela
Biko Omollo
Timothy Ekhavi
Ian Karani
Keagan Ndemi
Frankline Amollo
Andreas Omondi
Humphrey Aroko
Markvivan Kesa