Underdogs No More: Nairobi United Beat Gor Mahia to Lift FKF Cup

Newly promoted Kenyan Premier League side Nairobi United FC completed a dream season on Sunday after edging Gor Mahia 2-1 in a pulsating FKF Cup final clash at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The stunning victory saw the NSL champions not only lift their first major cup but also secure a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, achieving an unprecedented domestic double.

A Dream Start and a Historic Strike

Frank Ouya set the tone early with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 6th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Gor Mahia to put the underdogs ahead. The Ivorian midfielder’s acrobatic finish stunned the crowd and gave Nairobi United the momentum they needed.

Gor Mahia, seeking redemption after losing the league title to Kenya Police FC, found a lifeline in the 38th minute. A slick counterattack initiated by Musa Sherif saw Ben Stanley Omondi slot home the equalizer with a calm right-footed finish into the far corner.

Mashaka’s Thunderbolt and Missed Penalty Drama

In a tense second half, it was Enock Mashaka, a former Bandari FC man, who provided the difference. The midfielder unleashed a thunderous long-range effort in the 73rd minute that flew past Gor keeper Kevin Omondi, restoring Nairobi United’s lead and sending their bench into a frenzy.

The drama peaked in the 87th minute when Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty after Austin Odhiambo was brought down in the box. But Alpha Onyango’s tame effort was brilliantly saved by Ernest Mohammed, Nairobi United’s reliable shot-stopper, who became the hero of the moment.

Giant Killers Complete Their Fairytale Run

Nairobi United’s road to the final was as thrilling as it was improbable. They began with a 3-1 win over Global Connection and went on to eliminate heavyweights like Tusker FC, KCB, and Kakamega Homeboyz, before edging out Mara Sugar in the semis via penalties.

On the other hand, Gor Mahia’s journey included dominant wins over KSG, GAS FC, Bandari, and Kariobangi Sharks, but their dream was crushed by a determined and hungry Nairobi United outfit.

Discontent in the K’Ogalo Camp

After the final whistle, a section of frustrated Gor Mahia fans confronted interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, blaming him for the team’s failure to clinch either the league or the cup. Otieno, who took over following the departure of Sinisa Mihich, now faces uncertain days ahead.

Bronze for Murang’a SEAL

In the third-place playoff, Murang’a SEAL edged Mara Sugar 1-0 in a tightly contested affair. The win capped off a rollercoaster season for the Yusuf Chippo-led side, who narrowly escaped relegation and showed resilience in the cup campaign.

What This Means for Nairobi United

• CAF Confederation Cup Qualification: A first-ever continental appearance for the Nairobi County-backed club.
• Ksh 2 Million Prize Money: Financial boost for a club preparing for life in the top flight.
• A Statement of Intent: Nairobi United’s rise signals a new force in Kenyan football.

As they prepare for their debut season in the FKF Premier League, Nairobi United have already carved their names into history—and the continent is next.