Nairobi United stunned Tusker FC on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory at St Sebastian Park in Murang’a, thanks to a 10th-minute strike from Kevin Otiende.
The result denied the Ruaraka-based Brewers a chance to go top of the table, leaving them fifth on 21 points, while Naibois climbed to 10th with 16 points after a disciplined and well-executed performance.
Harambee Stars defender Otiende struck early, and it proved decisive. He reacted quickest inside the penalty area to steer the ball home, catching Tusker’s defence flat-footed.
The early goal allowed Nairobi United to dictate the tempo, sitting deeper and forcing Tusker to play in front of a compact defensive block.
Tusker dominated possession for long spells but found it difficult to break through. Nairobi United closed spaces intelligently, crowded the midfield, and limited clear chances. Every Tusker attack was met with numbers behind the ball, frustrating the Brewers as time ticked away.
The defeat was a major setback for Tusker, who had arrived in Murang’a knowing victory would lift them to the summit of the league. Instead, they remain fifth with 21 points, having failed to capitalise on favourable results elsewhere. Tusker head coach Charles Okere admitted his side paid dearly for a sluggish start. “We didn’t begin the game with the intensity required at this level,” Okere said.
“When you concede that early, you give the opponent confidence and allow them to settle.” Okere acknowledged Nairobi United’s tactical discipline.
“They scored and immediately became compact,” he said. “We had the ball, but possession without penetration does not win matches.”
The Tusker coach pointed to lapses in the final third. “We created moments, especially in the second half,” Okere said.
“But our decision-making and execution let us down.” He dismissed suggestions of fatigue. “There are no excuses,” Okere said.
“We prepared well, but preparation must be matched with performance.” Despite the disappointment, Okere remained defiant.
“One result will not define our season,” he said. “We will correct our mistakes and come back stronger.”
For Nairobi United, the victory marked a significant step forward in their campaign. The three points lifted them to 10th place with 16 points and reinforced belief within the squad.
Head coach Nicholas Muyoti praised his players for sticking to the game plan. “We knew Tusker would dominate possession,” Muyoti said. “Our focus was to stay organised and take our chances.”
Muyoti highlighted Otiende’s composure in front of the goal. “Kevin took his chance with maturity,” he said.
“That early goal gave us belief and calmness.” Defensive discipline, he said, was key. “The players followed instructions perfectly,” Muyoti said.
“When you play a team like Tusker, concentration is everything.” The Nairobi United coach also singled out his midfield for praise.
“They protected the back four very well,” Muyoti said. “They broke up play and managed the tempo of the game,” Muyoti warned against complacency.
“This win shows we can compete,” he said. “But it means nothing if we don’t follow it up.”
Tusker increased the pressure after the break, pushing men forward and introducing fresh legs. Long-range efforts and crosses piled into the box, but Nairobi United remained composed, blocking shots and clearing their lines efficiently.
Okere felt his side had done enough to get something from the game. “We pinned them back for long periods,” he said.
“But football is about taking your moments, and we didn’t.”
Muyoti saw the contest as a test of character. “In games like this, you have to suffer,” he said. “Suffering together builds strong teams.”
The final whistle was met with celebrations from Nairobi United players and fans, while Tusker’s supporters were left reflecting on what might have been.
The result tightens the Kenyan Premier League table further, underlining how fine the margins are at this stage of the season.
by TONY MBALLA
