Defending champions Nairobi United return to cup duty today with a high-stakes FKF Cup Round of 16 clash against Posta Rangers at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM (EAT), with Nairobi United keen to keep their title defence alive and continue their journey back to continental football.
This fixture carries a bit of history between the two sides. Their only previous competitive meeting ended in a 2-0 victory for Posta Rangers in the SportPesa League, with goals from Jackson Dwang, now at Gor Mahia and Brian Chonjo, who has since joined Kenya Police FC. That result will no doubt linger in the minds of Nairobi United as they seek redemption.
Both teams come into this tie off convincing wins in the previous round. Nairobi United produced a ruthless attacking display, thrashing BMC Allstars 8-0, while Posta Rangers saw off Oinopsos with a composed 2-0 victory. However, recent league form paints a slightly different picture.
Posta Rangers have struggled for consistency, losing two of their last three matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mara Sugar and a 2-0 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz, though they did secure a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks.
Despite that, they will draw confidence from midfielder Jackson Macharia, who was recently crowned the SportPesa League Player of the Month for March.
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Nairobi United, on the other hand, have shown resilience. A dominant 3-0 win over Shabana was followed by a 2-2 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz, results that captain John Otieno believes have set the tone heading into the cup tie.
“The mentality is right. Just because we are the defending champions, that tag alone is a great motivation,” Otieno said. “Having won it and played in the CAF Confederation Cup, we know what it takes. We want to get back there, and it starts with this match. I urge our fans to show up,they really pushed us last season.”
Reflecting on recent performances, he added: “The win against Shabana gave us momentum. We really needed that result, and carrying that into the cup is important. Even the draw against Kakamega Homeboyz is a positive. It’s all about building confidence going into this game.”
Head coach George ‘Solo’ Oduor echoed his captain’s sentiments, emphasizing discipline and belief as key to progressing.
“To defend the crown, we must protect what is ours with every move we make,” Oduor stated. “We have been building momentum step by step, but the FKF Cup demands a higher level of discipline. We must finish what we started and continue our road back to Africa.”
He also called on fans to turn up in numbers: “This journey belongs to both the players and the fans. We need that Kasarani energy to push us to the next level. We respect Posta Rangers, but we believe in our mission.”
FKF Cup Round of 16 Sunday fixtures
With the FKF Cup now Nairobi United’s clearest path to silverware this season, the stakes could not be higher. For Posta Rangers, it is a chance to bounce back from a dip in form and upset the holders.
Elsewhere, National Super League side 3K FC will host Bandari FC at Wang’uru Stadium, while KCB FC face Chebaiywa Lions at Kasarani. Kakamega Homeboyz are set to battle Ulinzi Stars at Bukhungu Stadium.
Winners from these ties will join Mfalme FC who stunned SportPesa League side Murang’a SEAL 5-1 and Shabana FC who edged out non-league outfit Kuta Collections FC 1-0,in the quarter finals