Dancun Omala struck twice as Nairobi United produced a composed and ruthless display to beat Shabana FC 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at Gusii Stadium in Kisii.
Omala’s goals in the 21st and 58th minutes anchored an impressive away performance that lifted Nairobi United to ninth in the SportPesa League standings on 21 points. Shabana slipped to fifth with 23 after a bruising home defeat that exposed defensive lapses and poor finishing.
Nairobi United arrived with clear intent. They pressed early, circulated the ball with confidence, and waited patiently for openings. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Omala pounced on a loose clearance at the edge of the box, took one touch, and curled a dipping strike beyond the goalkeeper. The early goal drained the energy from the home crowd.
The visitors grew in control and doubled their advantage moments before halftime. Samuel Kamworo capitalised on hesitation in the Shabana defence, finishing calmly after a swift counterattack to give United a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.
Shabana attempted to respond after the restart, enjoying spells of possession and pushing higher up the pitch. However, their momentum was cut short in the 58th minute when Omala struck again, restoring Nairobi United’s two-goal cushion with a well-taken finish that effectively sealed the contest.
The hosts earned a late consolation in the first minute of added time when Brian Michira converted from the penalty spot, but the goal came too late to influence the outcome.
United head coach Nicholas Muyoti praised his side’s discipline and game management.
“We came here knowing Gusii is never easy,” Muyoti said. “The boys followed the plan with discipline. Omala’s goal gave us belief at the right time. We controlled the key moments of the game, and our midfield balance was excellent. This win shows our growth as a team.”
Nairobi United’s compact midfield denied Shabana space between the lines, while narrow fullbacks and sharp transitions underlined a mature performance from a side that has struggled for consistency this season. Their away form, often questioned, received a timely boost.
For Shabana, the defeat was sobering. Despite dominating possession in spells and creating chances, they failed to convert when it mattered. Head coach Peter Okidi admitted costly mistakes proved decisive.
“That first goal changed the tempo completely,” Okidi said. “We were careless in our defensive transitions. At this level, small mistakes are punished.”
The result reshapes the mid-table picture. Nairobi United ease relegation fears and head into a demanding run of fixtures with renewed confidence, while Shabana miss the chance to close the gap on the top four. Once formidable at home, their form at Gusii Stadium is now under scrutiny.
by TONY MBALLA
