Nairobi United brought back down to earth by ruthless Sofapaka
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 01.11.25. | 18:12
Elsewhere, at the Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar and Bandari FC played out to a goalless draw, extending both sides’ wait for a second win of the season
Nairobi United endured a harsh welcome back to domestic action after their CAF Confederation Cup adventure, falling 3-0 to Sofapaka FC in a one-sided FKF Premier League clash staged at Dandora Stadium on Saturday, 1 November.
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The afternoon belonged entirely to Batoto ba Mungu, who dominated from start to finish, capitalising on a much-rotated Nairobi United side that looked out of shape and short of confidence after their continental exploits.
Under the guidance of head coach Ezekiel Akwana, Sofapaka wasted no time in asserting control.
In just the ninth minute, forward Joseph Kuloba broke the deadlock with a sharp finish from close range after a sweeping move that split the Naibois defense.
The visitors tried to add to their advantage, and in the 22nd minute, Daniel Ng’ang’a tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort that flew narrowly over the bar.
Moments later, Batoto ba Mungu custodian Edward Olak was forced into a brilliant save, diving low to keep out a close-range attempt, arguably Nairobi’s clearest chance of the first half.
Play was briefly halted in the 25th minute when Olak went down under minimal contact and required medical attention, giving both sides a brief breather as temperatures soared.
At the restart, Sofapaka resumed their attacking charge.
In the 48th minute, Japheth Mzungu nearly added a second, his fierce shot forcing Nairobi keeper Benard Jairo into a fine save.
Kuloba, meanwhile, appeared to pick up a knock but managed to soldier on.
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Akwana then made a tactical double substitution in the 60th minute, introducing Bramwell Simiyu and Ezekiel Namale for Adrian Oloo and Stanley Lugalia.
The changes immediately injected fresh energy into Sofapaka’s attack.
As the clock ticked on, Nairobi’s frustrations grew. Their buildup was laboured, and their defensive lapses invited pressure.
In the 67th minute, Olak was booked for time-wasting, a clear indication of Sofapaka’s growing control.
Nairobi pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Olak, who pulled off another stunning save in the 82nd minute to preserve Sofapaka’s lead.
Three minutes later, the inevitable second goal arrived.
Substitute Bramwell Simiyu pounced on a loose ball inside the box, rifling home a clinical finish to make it 2-0 and send the Sofapaka bench into celebration.
With the hosts now completely deflated, Japheth Mzungu put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack to seal the emphatic 3-0 victory.
The final whistle brought visible relief for coach Akwana, whose side now climbs to sixth on the log with eight points from six matches, a result that also eases the pressure after a mixed start to the campaign.
For Nicholas Muyoti and Nairobi United, it was an afternoon to forget, their heaviest defeat since joining the top flight.
The team remains 13th with six points, but will take solace in having two games in hand to make amends.
Mara Sugar 0-0 Bandari
Elsewhere, at the Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar and Bandari FC played out to a goalless draw, extending both sides’ wait for a second win of the season.
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