Former Harambee Stars winger on the score sheet as Nairobi United down Mara to taste first win in FKF PL
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 01.10.25. | 16:18
The former Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards winger struck in the 49th minute, breaking the deadlock after a cagey first half and sparking wild celebrations among the travelling City Boys
Ovella Ochieng wrote his name into Nairobi United’s history books on Wednesday afternoon after scoring the club’s first-ever goal in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL), guiding the promoted side to a 1-0 win over Mara Sugar at the Awendo Green Stadium.
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The former Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards winger struck in the 49th minute, breaking the deadlock after a cagey first half to spark wild celebrations among the travelling city boys.
It was United’s first league match of the season after their start was delayed twice due to their CAF Confederation Cup commitments, where they edged Ugandan side NEC on aggregate (1-1 at home, 2- 2 away) to set up a clash with Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel.
Mara Sugar, still searching for their first win of the campaign, fielded a strong line-up that included 17-year-old debutant Silas Onungo, who was signed from Compel SC.
But despite the home side’s early promise, the opening half was largely uneventful as both teams played cautiously.
The best moment of the first stanza came in the 11th minute when Naibois midfielder Lesley Owino nearly scored an own goal while attempting to clear a dangerous cross from David Owino, the ball ricocheting off the crossbar.
Nairobi's breakthrough came early in the second half.
A long throw-in from Duncan Omalla was flicked on by a Mara defender, the ball dropping kindly to Ovella, who volleyed it into the top-right corner to notch the City Boys’ maiden top-flight goal.
The winger celebrated with his trademark somersault, joined by captain Daniel Bichiok and teammates.
Nigerian striker Michael Karamor almost doubled the lead in the 56th minute after a neat exchange with Shami Kibwana, but his finish was comfortably saved by Mara goalkeeper Evans Omondi.
The Millers responded with a double substitution, bringing on David Omondi and Abdallah Swaleh for Dennis Cheruiyot and young Onungo.
The changes almost paid off in the 61st minute when David Omondi rose to meet a cross from David Owino, forcing Benard Jairo into a superb full-stretch save.
Mara pressed hard in the final half-hour through Swaleh, Owino and Omondi, but Nairobi United’s backline, marshalled by defender Buregeya held firm to secure a historic opening-day victory.
