The crisis at Sofapaka FC reached a breaking point on Saturday afternoon as the 2009 champions suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nairobi United in a SportPesa League Round 24 fixture at the Kasarani Annex.
Kevin Otiende’s long range shot secured all the three points for the 2025 FKF Cup Champions.
The result extends a nightmare period for Batoto ba Mungu, whose freefall toward the second tier now seems almost inevitable. The Edward Manoah squad has now failed to secure a win in their recent 16 matches – a streak that includes eight consecutive losses.
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Nairobi United pile more misery on struggling Sofapaka
The match started on the front foot with the hosts the first to test the opponents goalkeeper. Francis Ghartey shot from distance in the third minute was parried away by the watchful eye of Kevin Oduor in goal.
Naibois responded almost instantly just two minutes later,a corner kick routine saw Ugandan Mustafa Kizza deliver a well timed ball into the area finding Biko Omollo but his header missed the target by a few inches.
At the quarter hour mark, Kevin Wangaya wrong footed his marker on the left before unleashing a ferocious shot that flew past the crossbar.
The deadlock was however broken in the last 41st minute, exciting young talent Kevin Otiende struck from distance surprising Morgan Sitawa in goal for the opener.
The second half was a spirited performance from the bottom placed side. Their best chance however came in the 68th minute.
Substitute Tyrone Kariuki pinpoint through pass inside the box found Joseph Kuloba but the bulky forward failed to convert from close range with his shot saved by Oduor.
Sofapaka will travel to face Bidco United next weekend in a must-win encounter, while Nairobi United will look to continue their climb when they host Ulinzi Stars.
Sofapaka vs Nairobi United SportPesa League Round 24 lineups
Sofapaka: Morgan Sitawa, Stephen Bonney, D. Otieno, Shaibu Iddrisu, Yassin Rajab, Malick Ntamba, Mophat Kovello, Francis Ghartey, Eugine Barasa, Ronald Musumba, and Japheth Mzungu.
Nairobi United: Kevin Oduor, Yusuf Mainge, Kepha Wanjala, Steve Omollo, Kizza Mustapha, Brian Magare, Lesley Otieno, Kevin Wangaya, Kevin Otieno, Benson Ochieng,Enock Machaka.