Nairobi United recorded their biggest away win of the season by humiliating Shabana FC 1-3 at their home ground, Gusii Stadium, in the first SportPesa League match of 2026.
Dancan Omalla’s two clinical goals on either side of the half, coupled with a costly Wycliffe Omondi own goal, succumbed Shabana to their fourth loss at home this season.
The hosts made one adjustment to their starting eleven, introducing Austin Odongo in place of Victor Otieno in attack.
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Meanwhile, Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti opted for consistency, maintaining the same starting eleven that featured in the previously botched match against Gor Mahia.
Nairobi United thrash Shabana at Gusii
Muyoti’s trust in his regular starters paid off handsomely as the Naibois appeared sharper and more cohesive throughout the contest despite the two-week festive break.
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute as Dancan Omalla became the first-ever player to score in this top-flight encounter as a result of a wonderful team effort engineered by Machaka, who found Ovella Ochieng’ in space.
Ochieng’ delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Karamor, and the powerful forward expertly found Omalla at the back post who found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage at the stroke of half-time when Kevin Otiende’s dangerous cross led to a misunderstanding between Shabana defenders Wycliffe Omondi and James Mazembe.
The ball ricocheted off Omondi and ended up in his own net, leaving the score at 2-0 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
Nairobi United effectively put the game out of reach ten minutes after the restart, with Dancan Omalla completing his brace in spectacular fashion.
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After receiving another pass from the influential Ovella Ochieng’, Omalla converted the opportunity with a stunning acrobatic kick that left the Shabana goalkeeper TJM Ochieng’ with no chance.
The goal silenced the home crowd with some leaving the field before the end of the second half.
Shabana’s consolation came in the dying minutes of the second half.
Second-half substitute Brian Michira, making his highly anticipated return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, stepped up to confidently convert a penalty.
The goal was however not enough to spark a comeback, and the match concluded with a 3-1 scoreline in favour of the away team.
The victory elevates Naibois to ninth on the Log as Shabana missed a chance to go top.
Up next for the glamour boys is a tricky affair at they host record champions Gor Mahia.
Shabana Fc vs Nairobi United SportPesa League lineups
Shabana FC starting Lineup: Stephen Ochieng’, Humphrey Obina , James Mazembe, Wycliffe Omondi, Mark Okola, Byron Otieno, Kevin Omundi,David Odoyo, Derrick Otieno, Ezekiah Omuri, Austin Odongo..
Nairobi United: Ernest Mohamed, Yusuf Mainge, John Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, Kevin Otiende, Brian Omondi, Lesley Otieno, Enock Machaka, Ovella Ochieng’, Michael Karamor, Dancan Omalla