Gor Mahia’s hopes of salvaging their 2024/25 season ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a shock 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Nairobi United in the FKF Cup final at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The result means the record league champions will finish the season without a trophy and miss out on continental football next term.
Having already lost the FKF Premier League title to Kenya Police FC, Gor Mahia knew the FKF Cup final was their last shot at redemption. But they were stunned early on by a confident Nairobi United side, who continued their fairytale run in the domestic tournament under coach Nicholas Muyoti.
The game opened with high intensity, and it took only six minutes for Nairobi United to make a statement. A defensive lapse by Gor Mahia allowed Frank Ouya to steal the ball in the danger zone and fire past Kevin Omondi, handing United a 1-0 lead.
The goal rattled Gor Mahia, who tried to regroup and respond. Austin Odhiambo came close in the 20th minute, but Alphonse Omija’s delayed shot was cleared. Their persistence finally paid off in the 38th minute. A deflected cross from Enoch Morrison fell to Ben Stanley Omondi, who made no mistake with a powerful right-footed strike to make it 1-1 at halftime.
Gor Mahia began the second half with renewed purpose. Odhiambo tested United keeper Ernest Mohammed with a long-range effort, while Morrison continued to trouble the United defence. But despite their dominance, they failed to take their chances.
Nairobi United held firm and grew into the game again. In the 73rd minute, a moment of brilliance from Enock Mashaka sealed their victory. After receiving a quick pass from Michael Karamo, Mashaka spotted Omondi off his line and unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box into the bottom corner.
Gor Mahia thought they had found a lifeline in the 87th minute when they were awarded a penalty. But Alpha Onyango’s weak attempt was easily saved by Mohammed, who became a hero for United with that crucial stop.
The four added minutes saw Gor Mahia throw everything forward, but Nairobi United’s backline stood tall. At the final whistle, scenes of celebration erupted as the FKF Cup debutants secured their first major title and earned a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
The win also completed a remarkable season for Nairobi United, who will now play top-tier football and represent Kenya on the continental stage in the same year — emulating Mathare United’s feat in 1998.
One for the books
Now this is how you announce yourself
Gain promotion to the #FKFPL, win the @FKFCup and secure a ticket to continental football all in the same season
Big up @nairobiunitedfc, there just might be a new sheriff in town pic.twitter.com/RwTWBarVtk
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) June 29, 2025
Gor Mahia’s Road to the Final
K’Ogalo had an impressive run in the tournament. They began with a commanding 3-0 win over KSG in the Round of 64, followed by a 5-0 thrashing of GAS FC in the Round of 32. In the Round of 16, they beat Bandari FC 2-0 before seeing off Kariobangi Sharks by the same score in the quarter-finals.
The semi-final clash against Murang’a Seal proved to be their toughest. After a 2-2 draw in normal time, Gor Mahia advanced via a 5-3 penalty shootout win.
Nairobi United’s Giant-Killing Journey
Nairobi United’s path to glory was nothing short of sensational. They opened with a 3-1 win over Global Connection before shocking Tusker FC in the Round of 32 through a 5-4 shootout win after a 1-1 draw. They repeated the feat against KCB in the Round of 16, winning 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw.
In the quarter-finals, they delivered a clinical 2-0 win against Kakamega Homeboyz before seeing off Mara Sugar 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals.
On Sunday, Nairobi United completed their dream run with a courageous and tactical display, sending a strong message that they are ready to compete with the very best in Kenyan football.
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