Nairobi United Stun Mara Sugar on Penalties to Reach Historic FKF Cup Final Against Gor Mahia

Photo || Mara Sugar

Nairobi United Stun Mara Sugar on Penalties to Reach Historic FKF Cup Final Against Gor Mahia

Mark Kinyanjui 19:00 - 01.06.2025

Nairobi United stunned Mara Sugar 3-1 on penalties to proced to the FKF Cup final against Gor Mahia.

National Super League (NSL) champions elect Nairobi United will be taking on Gor Mahia in the final of the FKF Cup following their heroic display against Mara Sugar that saw them stun the top flight outfit 3-1 on penalties.

The Nai Boys goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed turned out to be the hero, making critical saves from the spot to send Nairobi United fans into frenzy.

The game was decided from the spot after both sides settled for a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

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First Half: Nairobi United Dictate Play

From the outset, it was clear who the aggressors were. Nairobi United took control of the match early, keeping Mara Sugar pinned in their own half and dictating the tempo with ease. 

Wingers Isaac Omweri and Duncan Odhiambo—brother to Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala—tormented the visiting full-backs with their pace and trickery.

The best chance of the opening half came in the 27th minute. Michael Jairo broke free on the left and found Omweri with a precise cutback. 

The winger let fly with a powerful effort that Mara Sugar goalkeeper Evans Omondi couldn’t handle cleanly. A desperate clearance off the line found its way to Duncan Odhiambo, who blazed over the bar with the goal gaping.

Odhiambo had another opportunity to break the deadlock when he picked up the ball near the halfway line, weaved his way forward and unleashed a stinging shot that forced a fingertip save from Omondi to keep the scores level.

Second half: Mara Sugar Equalise Against Run of Play

At the start of the second half, Nicholas Muyoti was forced to make a change, bringing on Michael Karamoh for Enock Machaka, who had picked up a knock in the opening period.

That substitution would prove inspired. In the 54th minute, Karamoh announced his presence in style, rising highest to nod home a pinpoint delivery from Omweri and put Nairobi United deservedly in front.

But their joy was short-lived.

Just four minutes later, Mara Sugar hit back against the run of play. Bernard Ochieng laid the ball off to Lameck Omondi, who struck cleanly to beat the goalkeeper and silence the home supporters in Dandora.

Nairobi United never hinged and continued to pile on the pressure. With Muyoti seeking to restore the lead, he opted to make changes. Gideon Omondi and Kelwish Walubuka were subbed on for Duncan Odhiambo and Frank Owia.

Despite their efforts, Mara Sugar managed to hang on to their equaliser, and in the end, the game would have to be decided on penalties.

Penalties - Nairobi United Make History

With the game tied 1-1 at full-time, it was left to penalties to decide who would join Gor Mahia in the final. Having starred in a shootout win over Kenya Police just a week earlier, Mara Sugar keeper Evans Omondi was tipped to be the hero once again.

But it was Nairobi United's Ernest Mohammed who rose to the occasion.

The Nai Boys held their nerve, converting all but one of their spot-kicks, while Mohammed made two massive saves to shut the door on Mara Sugar’s cup run and spark wild celebrations from the Nairobi United faithful.