APS Bomet picked up a crucial away victory after edging Nairobi United 2-1 in a hard-fought rescheduled SportPesa League encounter played at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Antony Naibei and substitute Dickson Mwangi proved decisive as the law enforcers secured maximum points and climbed out of the relegation zone.
Coming into the match, APS Bomet were eager to bounce back after suffering a 2-1 away defeat to Murang’a SEAL over the weekend. Head coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo rang several changes to his starting XI, handing recalls to Festus Kipkemoi and Edward Masembe as he sought a response from his side.
Nairobi United, on the other hand, were playing their first league match after a taxing CAF Confederation Cup group stage fixture against Azam FC, which they lost 1-0.
Coach Godfrey Oduor also made adjustments, introducing Brian Omondi into midfield while goalkeeper Kevin Oduor retained his place between the posts. In attack, the Omala brothers, Duncan and Benson, were trusted to lead the line.
APS Bomet gun down Nairobi United 2-1 in a SportPesa League rescheduled match
APS Bomet showed early intent, forcing Kevin Oduor into a fine save barely minutes after kickoff to deny them an early opener.
Nairobi United gradually settled and nearly broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Mustapha Kizza delivered a dangerous free kick that found John Otieno unmarked in the box. However, the defender blazed his effort over the bar from close range.
The visitors continued to probe and were rewarded in the 20th minute. Antony Naibei found himself unmarked at the edge of the area following good build-up play by Frank Mandela, and the midfielder calmly placed a well-taken shot into the far corner to give APS Bomet the lead.
Nairobi United responded positively, with Benson Omala coming close in the 32nd minute, only to be denied by APS Bomet goalkeeper Bob Cetric, who reacted quickly to block the shot and its rebound.
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Duncan Omalla and Kizza Mustapha also combined well from set pieces, but APS Bomet’s defence held firm. By halftime, the visitors deservedly led 1-0.
Chasing the game, Nairobi United made several changes early in the second half, introducing Lesley Otieno, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Majaliwa Charo, and Charles Waibi. Waibi’s quick feet immediately troubled the APS Bomet backline, while Charo added urgency down the flanks.
Despite the pressure, APS Bomet remained disciplined, with Hillary Juma anchoring the midfield alongside Naibei and Maxwell Kubasu.
In the 67th minute, coach Pamzo Omollo’s tactical change paid dividends. Substitute Dickson Mwangi capitalised on a defensive mix-up to double the lead after a misplaced header fell kindly into his path.
Nairobi United pulled one back in the 77th minute through Muhadjiri Hakizimana, giving the home fans hope, but APS Bomet saw out the remaining minutes with composure.
The victory lifts APS Bomet to 14th place on the SportPesa League table, marking their fourth win of the season after 19 matches. For Nairobi United, it was their sixth defeat of the campaign, leaving them 10th as they continue to search for consistency.
SportPesa League standings
