Historic Upset: Nairobi United Crowned Mozzart Cup Champions, Secures CAF Spot
There are cup finals that crown champions, and there are cup finals that signify the inception of an era. At the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi United FC, the freshly promoted darlings of the FKF Premier League, wrote their name into Kenyan football folklore with a dramatic 2-1 victory over giants Gor Mahia to lift the Mozzart Bet Cup and seal a historic ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.
This wasn't just a trophy win. This was a coming-of-age moment, a young club with fire in its belly outclassing Kenya's most decorated side on the biggest domestic stage of the season.
If football is often a mirror of the touchline, then Sunday's final told a tale of two managers. At one end, Gor's Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno stood almost statuesque, motionless, offering little in the way of tactical or emotional leadership. On the other end, Nairobi United's Nicolas Muyoti roared every instruction, kicked every ball, and lived every moment with his players.
And like puppets at the behest of marionnettes, both teams mirroed the coaches on the pitch. While Gor looked flat, lethargic, and short of ideas, Nairobi United played with hunger, clarity, and ferocity. From the first whistle, they made their intentions clear.
"You could argue they wanted it more," a phrase often thrown around in post-match punditry, but today, it was the undeniable truth.
An Early Statement, a Late Penalty Save
It took just six minutes for Nairobi to lay down the marker. A long throw caused chaos in the Gor box, and when the ball dropped loose, Frankie Ouya smashed in a thunderous volley to give Nairobi United a dream start. They pressed high, tackled hard, and played with the urgency of a team chasing destiny.
Gor Mahia, stunned were stupefyed and dazed. The 36th minute was their first real moment of fluid play, Ben Stanley rifled in a well-placed equaliser from the edge of the area, briefly bringing parity to the clash. This was as good as it got for the Green Army.
K'Ogalo began the second half with more possession, 62% by the final whistle, but it was sterile. Nairobi United's midfield trio of Bernard Ouma, Lesley Otieno, and Enock Makacha dominated the second balls, won their duels, and completely shut down star men Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo. Even the late introduction of Lawrence Juma did little to shift the tide.
In the 73rd minute, Nairobi United produced a sweeping move from back to front — a patient, well-worked build-up that sliced through Gor Mahia's midfield. The ball eventually found its way to Enock Makacha at the edge of the area, and with time and space, he unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the top corner, cue bedlam.
With Gor desperately seeking an equaliser, they were handed a lifeline in the 88th minute. Lennox Ogutu, superb all evening in defence alongside John Otieno, Daniel Bitchiok, and Kevin Osanya, brought down Austin Odhiambo in the box.
Up stepped Alpha Onyango. But it was once again The Muhammad Show. Goalkeeper Ernest Muhammad, already a penalty hero in the semis, guessed right and palmed away the penalty with power and poise. A moment that sealed his legacy and the trophy.
It was poetic justice. Nairobi United had done it the hard way all tournament, toppling Tusker, KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Mara Sugar. Four KPL giants fell, and now the crown jewel: Gor Mahia.
From the NSL to Continental Football in One Season
Head coach Nicolas Muyoti has now delivered two trophies in one season: the National Super League title and the Mozzart Bet Cup. More importantly, he has instilled an identity – fast, direct, fearless football – and inspired belief in a young squad many had written off.
For Gor, the season ends in heartbreak. With no continental football next season, this final was their last shot at redemption. And they fell short. The club now faces an offseason of questions, soul-searching, and an urgent need for strategic direction. For a team that once dominated Kenyan football, signs of a slow slump are no longer subtle.
John Otieno was an outstanding , not just for his defensive solidity but for his composure, leadership, and relentless energy. He epitomised what Nairobi United stood for on the day: heart, hunger, and hustle. However, Austin of Gor Mahia, was Tisini's data driven Star of the Match.
Final Score:
- Nairobi United 2-1 Gor Mahia
- Scorers: Frankie Ouya (6'), Ben Stanley (36'), Enock Makacha (73')
Missed Penalty: Alpha Onyango (88')
In the end, Nairobi United didn't just beat Gor Mahia. They earned respect, admiration, and a seat at the continental table. What started as a dream in the second tier has now turned into a defining chapter of Kenyan football history.
And for Ernest Muhammad, whose name now echoes in the stands and headlines alike, this wasn't just a game. It was a legacy saved, a final owned, and a dream delivered. Next stop: the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Naibois have arrived. And they're here to stay.
Feature Image Credit: FKF
