Kinyanjui Strikes Late as Mathare United Edge Nairobi United in a Cagey Dandora Duel

In a tense afternoon under the Dandora sun, Mathare United carved out a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Nairobi United, a match that tested nerves, demanded discipline, and rewarded the side that stayed switched on until the dying stages. For Nairobi United, the frustration was clear they battled bravely, created promising moments, but when their guard dropped for a second, Mathare pounced with the ruthlessness of a side that knows how to punish mistakes.

The match opened with both teams eager to stamp early authority, and it was Mathare who showed sharper movement in the opening minutes. A fastbreak in the 8th minute saw Okoth slip beyond the line, only for the move to be halted by an offside call. The tempo remained high, and by the 14th minute Okoth again tested Nairobi’s defense, beating the trap but failing to hit the target with his weaker foot.

Nairobi responded with their own moments of promise. Kibwana forced Ouru into a fine save midway through the first half after Lesley sent in a dangerous corner that caused chaos in the Mathare box. The hosts almost went ahead when Shami connected sweetly with Lesley's delivery, but the Mathare keeper stretched out just enough to deny the opener.

Mathare dominated possession as the half progressed, weaving crisp passing sequences through Nairobi’s defensive lines. Okoth nearly found the breakthrough again in the 32nd minute when Kilume sliced open the defense, but Kevin Oduor stood tall to keep the scores level. A brief scare followed for Mathare when Kilume went down and was replaced by Asieche, but the Slumboys maintained their rhythm.

Both sides went into the break goalless, but with Mathare looking the more fluid team while Nairobi relied on bursts of individual brilliance.

The second half picked up right where the first had left off. Nairobi’s Majaliwa produced one of the most exciting moments of the match in the 54th minute, skipping past defenders from the left channel before unleashing a shot that drifted just wide. On the opposite end, Wafula, making his debut, refused to be shaken by the pressure. He made several timely interventions, including a crucial block moments after restart that kept Mathare from sneaking ahead early.

Both benches were forced to act as the intensity rose. Nairobi made changes, introducing Adams, Omweri, Omala and Karamor in search of spark and stability, while Mathare adjusted with Ange and Asieche stepping in to keep their midfield pressing sharp.

It was Mathare who finally found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute. A poor clearance from John Otieno dropped dangerously in the box, and Kinyanjui reacted the quickest, guiding the ball past the advancing Kevin Oduor for his first goal of the season. It was a simple finish, but one built from relentless pressure and presence of mind. Dandora erupted, the Slumboys sensing a huge away statement brewing.

Nairobi refused to fold. Five minutes of added time brought desperate surges forward, and even as Mathare’s substitute keeper Kimari came on after Ouru picked up a knock, the visitors held firm. Nairobi threw bodies forward, fought for every second ball, and pushed the tempo, but Mathare’s defensive line absorbed everything with calm authority.

When the final whistle went, it was Mathare United celebrating a deserved but hard-fought 1-0 win. Nairobi United walked off deflated but not defeated, their performance showing heart, structure and flashes of brilliance that will surely carry them into their next battle. They will dust themselves off, pick the lessons, and go again with renewed fire.

For Mathare, it was another display of growth one built on patience, discipline and the decisiveness required at this level.