NSL: Darajani Gogo unbeaten run halted by Nairobi United

Adams Nyambane capitalized on Darajani Gogo's goalkeeper Innocent Lihasi's mistake to slot home a match-winner for Nairobi United in the 63rd minute in a 2-1 victory over Gogo.

In the match played at Kasarani Annex on Sunday, 3 November, Boniface Ontere had drawn level the Naibois in the first half following a Michael Lukalia 14th-minute strike.

In a rather dull Sunday afternoon at the Kasarani Annex, Paul Ogai opted for a strong lineup keen to extend his unbeaten run since taking over the club, while Paul Okatwa threw in a couple of new faces at the back, due to the unavailability of Daniel Bichok who is on international duty with South Sudan.

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Lukalia could have given the visitors the lead in the second minute, but he directed his close-range shot into the waiting hands of United goalkeeper Ernest Muhammed.

Gogo's best chance of the first half arrived in the 14th minute when Lukalia redeemed himself for the earlier miss swiftly tapping Elisha Owino's delivery after the provider had turned in three Naiboi's defenders.

Rodgers Oporia was poised to provide some calm for Okatwa on the touchline after the torrid start when he unleashed his trademark thunderbolt from the edge of the box, forcing Lihasi into a full-stretch save.

With Darajani continuing to dominate the exchange, coach Okatwa moved to improve things on his side switching Oporia to the number 10 role while introducing Esson Wangamati in the middle of the park for all the dirty work.

The hosts instantly looked a threat with numerous attempts, which Gogo's steel defense led by Masinde Joseph easily dealt with.

In the 39th minute, the impressive Ontere raced to a poor corner clearance to outpace his markers and head Nairobi back into the game and hand the second-tier money bags a lifeline heading into the breather.

The host looked lively immediately after the restart with numerous attacks from the flanks though Gogo's backline was alert to clear all the balls.

A forced substitution by Nairobi proved pivotal when substitute Nyambane eagle-eyed Lihasi out of his line to send a furious long-range shot rolling on the empty net to lead for the first time in the game.

In the final half, Darajani attempted numerous times to level the match but all goal attempts were thwarted by the brave Muhammed in the Naiboi's goal including a last-minute line clearance that could have won Gogo a point.

The win saw Nairobi United not only end Gogo's unbeaten run but also record back-to-back wins since the opening two weekends of the league.

Despite putting up a spirited fight to hold off the marauding Nairobi, Darajani Gogo head coach Ogai challenged his players to rise to the occasion in such instances and put in a fight in their next league match

"We don't need to panic, I believe we will come back stronger, today things were not good just from the start and we did allow them to the game after scoring but we just need to calm down and focus on the coming game against Luanda Villa, " offered Okatwa.

On his side, Okatwa was left impressed with his charges’ performance. He, however, noted that the suspension of their fixtures earlier in the season derailed team preparation but was happy to see the team recollect.

“Happy with back-to-back wins and it builds the team morale. We had started the season well but that suspension made it tough for us and we played for two draws. I am happy we have recollected and aiming for more in the next matches,” stated Okatwa.

Elsewhere, in an early kick-off staged at Mpesa Foundation, Kibera Black Stars recorded their biggest win this season tearing apart Mombasa Elite 4-0.

The win lifted the Moses Onyango-coached side to 10th on the log with Elite dropping to relegation places.