Nairobi United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion after brushing aside Bidco United 3-0 in a SportPesa League clash at Ulinzi Sports Complex with goals from mid-season acquisition left back Mustapha Kizza, midfielder Kevin Wangaya and Striker Benson Omala.
The victory not only marked their eighth win of the campaign but also piled more misery on a struggling Bidco side that now finds itself sinking deeper into the relegation zone following an 11th defeat of the season.
Coming off a heavy 4-1 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz, Bidco head coach Antony Akhulia rang in the changes. Mogaka Nyabuto earned his first start, while goalkeeper John Otieno came in for the injured Issa Emuria. Akite and Munala were tasked with leading the line as Bidco sought a response.
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On the other bench, Coach Godfrey Oduor also shuffled his pack. Mid-season signing Kevin Wangaya was handed his Nairobi United debut, partnering Brian Magare and captain Brian Omondi in midfield. Ugandan left-back Mustapha Kizza, another recent acquisition, started and would go on to have a telling impact.
Nairobi United cruise past Bidco United
Nairobi United began brightly. Kizza tested Otieno with a free kick in the eighth minute, though the second ball fell kindly to Omondi, who unfortunately skied his effort.
Bidco showed flashes of threat, with Odooh leading a swift counter in the 12th minute, but Nairobi’s defence stood firm. Akite nearly punished the hosts moments later with a header that sailed over.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. After Omala won a corner, Kizza stepped up and delivered a teasing ball that curled directly into the net, catching Otieno off guard and handing Nairobi a deserved lead. Kizza nearly repeated the feat four minutes later with another dangerous corner.
Bidco had their moments before the break. Idris came closest in the 40th minute with a powerful drive from distance that struck the far post, leaving goalkeeper Bernard Jairo beaten.
Nyabuti also headed wide from a corner as Bidco searched for parity. However, Nairobi went into halftime leading 1-0 courtesy of Kizza’s brilliance.
The second half saw Nairobi tighten their grip. After several substitutions, the hosts doubled their lead in the 73rd minute. Wangaya, capping a lively debut, stepped up to curl in a stunning free kick and open his account for the club. It was a statement moment for the new signing.
Ssematimba later replaced Kenya U20 assistant Captain Kevin Wangaya who had a debut to remember in Naibois colors. In the 88th minute, Benson Omala sealed the win in style.
Released through on goal, the former Gor Mahia forward went on a powerful solo run, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his first goal for Nairobi United.
At the final whistle, it was a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Nairobi United a performance inspired by their new signings and one that restores belief in their campaign having just come off a debut to forget in CAF Confederations Cup after loosing all group stage matches. For Bidco United, however, the struggle continues.
Nairobi United vs Bidco United SportPesa League lineups Round 21
- Nairobi United XI:: Bernard Jairo (GK), Steve Biko, Lennox Ogutu, Kepha Aswani, Mustapha Kizza, Brian Omondi (C), Brian Magare, Kevin Wangaya, Shami Kibwana, Benson Omala, Gideon Otieno.
- Bidco United XI:: John Otieno (GK), Kalama (C), Wainaina, Idris, Okola (sent off), Bodo, Raila, Nyabuti, Akite, Munala.