Harambee Stars defender makes debut for United States club
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.07.26. | 10:00
He completed his move to Indy Eleven earlier this week, and was introduced in the 71st minute, replacing Maikel Rasheed
Kenyan international defender Nabil Kibunguchy made his debut for Indy Eleven as the USL Championship side suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Miami FC in an Eastern Conference clash at Pitbull Stadium on Wednesday night.
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Kibunguchy, who completed his move to Indy Eleven earlier this week, was introduced in the 71st minute, replacing Maikel Rasheed as the visitors searched for a way back into the match.
Miami secured all three points with goals from Rodrigo da Costa and Jürgen Locadia, ending a four-match winless run in league play, and climbing into the top half of the Eastern Conference standings.
The result also brought an end to Indy Eleven's seven-match unbeaten streak against Miami in all competitions, with the Boys in Blue losing to their conference rivals for the first time since 2022.
Despite the defeat, Indy Eleven produced a spirited display, dominating the set pieces with a 9-1 advantage in corners and outshooting the hosts 13-10.
Bruno Rendon came closest to scoring for the visitors in the 39th minute when his volley from an Aodhan Quinn corner was cleared off the goal line.
Captain Quinn finished the match with a game-high 10 crosses, taking his season tally to a team-leading 81.
Goalkeeper Eric Dick made his only save of the game shortly before halftime, but Miami broke the deadlock before the interval before adding a second after the restart to secure victory.
The second goal ended Indy Eleven's impressive run of seven consecutive league matches without conceding more than once.
Their last outing in which they allowed two goals came in a 2-2 draw against Birmingham Legion on April 19.
Despite the setback, Indy Eleven have won four of their last six USL Championship matches and remain sixth in the Eastern Conference with games in hand over several teams above them.
They continue their road trip with an away fixture against Detroit City on Saturday.
Kibunguchy arrives at Indy Eleven with experience across several leagues.
The Sacramento, California native was selected 18th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United before spending time on loan at Sacramento Republic, where he registered one goal and one assist in 16 appearances.
He made his Major League Soccer debut for Minnesota United in 2022 and later featured for Orlando City B, scoring four goals during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro campaign before returning for another impressive season in 2024.
The 24-year-old spent the 2025 season with Singapore Premier League side Hougang United, scoring three goals in 24 appearances before sealing his move to Indy Eleven.
Kibunguchy made his senior international debut for Harambee Stars in Kenya's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Seychelles on November 20, 2023, and will now be hoping to establish himself in the United States as he continues his professional career.