Defending champions Nairobi United produced a clinical performance to see off Posta Rangers and secure a place in the FKF Cup quarter-finals, keeping their title defence firmly on course at Kasarani Stadium.
Heading into the Round of 16 clash, Posta Rangers had every reason to believe they could upset the holders again, having beaten Nairobi United 2-0 in their earlier SportPesa League meeting courtesy of goals from Jackson Dwang and Brian Chonjo – both of whom have since secured moves to Gor Mahia and Kenya Police respectively.
Coach Charles Omondi’s charges were also keen to bounce back from a run of two consecutive league defeats, with the Cup offering a perfect platform to regain momentum.
However, Nairobi United, under Coach George ‘Solo’ Oduor, came into the tie in solid form, fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Shabana and a 2-2 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz. Their intent to defend the crown was evident from the start.
Nairobi United edge Posta Rangers 2-0 to reach FKF Cup quarter-finals
Posta Rangers began brightly, showing attacking intent in the early exchanges. In the eighth minute, Caleb Olilo delivered a pinpoint cross after a well-worked move, but Karisa Ponda failed to guide his header on target, missing a golden opportunity.
The Mailmen continued to press, and six minutes later, goalkeeper Kevin Oduor was forced into a fine save, tipping over a dangerous Wasambo delivery for a corner.
The pressure mounted in the 25th minute when Brian Otieno broke through on goal, only for Oduor to produce a crucial one-on-one save to keep Nairobi United level. Having weathered the early storm, Nairobi United began to settle, gaining control in midfield as they approached the half-hour mark.
Their breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. Enock Machaka’s delivery caused confusion in the box, and Kevin Wangaya reacted quickest, capitalizing on a loose ball to fire Nairobi United into the lead.
Posta Rangers nearly found an equalizer before the break. A long throw from Odhiambo caused chaos in the area, eventually falling to Jackson Macharia, whose shot was parried by Oduor.
Karisa Ponda’s follow-up header was once again denied by the alert shot-stopper. In the dying moments of the half, Faustine Wasambo, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, saw his header drift inches over the bar as Nairobi United went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The second half resumed with Nairobi United looking sharper in transition. Mustapha Kizza nearly created a second goal early on, picking out Enock Machaka with a clever cross, but the ball narrowly missed its target at the far post.
Nairobi United doubled their lead in the 66th minute with a well-executed counter-attack. Kevin Wangaya turned provider, slipping a precise pass to Machaka, who showed composure in front of goal, calmly beating Bixente Otieno to make it 2-0.
With control firmly in their hands, Coach Godfrey Oduor made tactical adjustments, introducing pace upfront as Dancan Omala came on for Mustapha Kizza in the 68th minute. Nairobi United continued to threaten, and in the 84th minute, Michael Karamor nearly added a third after nicking the ball off the defence, but Posta goalkeeper Bixente Lizarazu reacted quickly to push the effort out for a corner.
Further substitutions followed as Brian Magare replaced Brian Omondi in midfield, Shami Kibwana came on for Karamor, and Muhadjiri Hakizimana was introduced for Machaka in added time to see out the game.
At the final whistle, Nairobi United had done enough,avenging their earlier league defeat and marching into the quarter-finals with a clinical display infront of goal.
In other FKF Cup Round of 16 results, KCB FC defeated Chebaiywa Lions 3-0, with December Kisakah opening the scoring before Richard Omondi and Bonface Omondi sealed the win.
Bandari FC beat 3K FC 2-0 at Wang’uru Stadium through first-half goals from Cliff Otieno and Joseph Otieno, while Ulinzi Stars stunned Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium courtesy of Staphod Odhiambo’s solitary strike.
The teams through to the FKF Cup quarter-finals are Tusker FC, Kenya Police, Ulinzi Stars, Mfalme FC, Bandari, Shabana, KCB FC, and Nairobi United.