Ex-AFC Leopards Winger Fires Nairobi United to Historic League Win as Mathare United Hold Tusker

Nairobi United marked their SportPesa Premier League debut in style, clinching a historic 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar at the Awendo Green Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Former AFC Leopards winger  Ovella Ochieng etched his name in the club’s history books by scoring their first-ever top-flight goal, sealing three priceless points for the promoted side.

After a cautious first half with few clear chances, Nairobi United broke the deadlock just four minutes into the second half. 

A long throw-in from Duncan Omala caused panic in the Mara Sugar box, and Jimmy Owili’s attempted clearance fell perfectly to Ovella, who rifled a thunderous strike past goalkeeper Evans Omondi.

Nairobi’s goalkeeper Bernard Jairo proved to be the unsung hero, producing a string of saves to deny the Millers, including point-blank stops from David Omondi and Swaleh Abdallah.

 Despite relentless late pressure, United held firm, showing maturity and discipline to secure a dream start to life in the top tier.

Elsewhere in Dandora, Mathare United frustrated title hopefuls Tusker with a hard-fought 0-0 draw. 

The brewers dominated early exchanges, with Erick Kapaito rattling the woodwork and Ronny Otieno’s follow-up cleared off the line inside the opening six minutes.

Tusker’s Charles  Momanyi also headed narrowly wide from a corner, while Curtis Wekesa saw a superb free-kick tipped over.

Mathare, however, grew into the game and nearly stole the lead, only for Brian Opondo to make a brilliant double save. Both sides pushed for a late winner, but defenses held strong in a clash that ended with the spoils shared.

The result sees newly promoted Nairobi United join the league’s early frontrunners, while Tusker’s stuttering start adds pressure in their title race against rivals Gor Mahia and Kenya Police.