• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 13 hrs ago

Nairobi United eye another shock win against league leaders Gor Mahia ‎

Nairobi United will be chasing another famous result when they take on league leaders Gor Mahia on Sunday at Dandora Stadium, in what promises to be a high-stakes Sportpesa League clash.

‎‎The two sides meet barely a year after Nairobi United stunned Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final, a win that earned the Naibois a place in the CAF Confederation Cup and announced them on the continental stage.

That victory still lingers in memory—and belief—as they prepare for another tough test.

‎‎On paper, Gor Mahia are clear favourites. K’Ogalo sit top of the table with 23 points, while Nairobi United are 11th with 16 points.

But the table does not tell the full story. United have four games in hand, and their recent performances suggest a team growing in confidence and maturity.

‎‎Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti believes his side is ready for the challenge.

“We showed a lot of maturity against Tusker,” Muyoti said. “It was not a beautiful game, but we controlled it, and that is important.”

‎‎The former international says his players have learned valuable lessons from earlier in the season, when small mistakes cost them points.

“We are learning how to manage difficult moments,” he said. “The players now understand when to attack and when to stay compact.”

‎‎Muyoti is however cautious about leaning too much on past success against Gor Mahia.

“Yes, we beat them in the cup final, and that gave us belief,” he said. “But this is a different game. Gor Mahia are stronger and more focused now. They are top of the league for a reason.”

‎‎Still, his message to the players is clear.

“If we are brave and disciplined, we can compete,” Muyoti said. “We are not going to Kasarani to admire anyone.”

‎Gor Mahia, meanwhile, remain firm at the summit. Their recent 1–0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz may not have been flashy, but head coach Charles Akonnor believes it showed the character of champions.

“It was a difficult match, and we had to dig deep,” Akonnor said. “Those are the games that define a season.”

‎‎Akonnor is aware of the threat posed by Nairobi United, especially after last year’s cup final defeat.

“They are confident and well-coached,” he noted. “They beat us before, and you don’t forget that.”

‎‎However, the Gor Mahia coach insists the focus is not on revenge.

“This is not about revenge,” Akonnor said. “It is about responding the right way. We must control the game and manage the tempo.”

‎‎He has also warned his players against complacency.

“Every team plays with extra motivation against Gor Mahia,” he said. “Nairobi United have nothing to lose, and that makes them dangerous.”

‎Sunday’s clash feels more than just a normal league match. Nairobi United arrive with belief, momentum and the hope of proving their rise is real.

Gor Mahia step onto the pitch carrying expectation and the responsibility of defending their place at the top.

‎‎In a league where the margins are thin, Kasarani could once again be the stage for a defining moment—for the challengers and for the champions.

SportPesa League Fixtures

Sunday

Nairobi United v Gor Mahia – Dandora Stadium, 4 pm

APS Bomet v Tusker – Kericho Green Stadium, 2 pm

Bandari v Mathare United – Mbaraki, 3 pm

Monday

KK Homeboyz v Kenya Police – Bukhungu Stadium, 3pm

Mara Sugar v Murang’a Seal – Awendo Green Stadium, 1 pm

Sofapaka v Kariobangi Sharks – Kasarani Annex, 2 pm

Ulinzi Stars v Posta Rangers – Ulinzi Complex, 4 pm

Tuesday

Bidco United v AFC Leopards – Kasarani Stadium, 3pm