Nairobi City Stars beat hosts FC Talanta 1-0 in a round 13 National Super League (NSL) tie at the Camp Toyoyo on Friday 8 November, 2019 to consolidate their top spot in the 20-team log.
Gambian striker Ebrimma Sanneh secured all points for Nairobi City Stars when he won then converted a penalty in the 74th minute – his eighth goal of the season – that proved to be the difference in the close knit affair.
City Stars started the game on a high and looked dangerous in the first ten minutes but FC Talanta, beaten 4-0 in their last encounter against Ushuru, were a different lot all together as they took command of the midfield.
The best of chances presented itself in the eighth minute when sensational City Stars midfielder Oliver Maloba raced to the box to ram onto a pass that ricocheted off the crossbar.
Thereafter it is Talanta that were the more dangerous lot especially on the right channel. Mid way through the first half Talanta could have gone 1-0 up when Chris Opondo got to the edge of the box and drove home a pile driver but an alert keeper Levis Opiyo parried it skyward for a corner.
After a barren first half, the hosts could have activated the score sheet in the first ten minutes of the second half when left back Eric Shikono was given all the space and time to weave into the City Stars box after an inter-lay by Opondo.
He placed his left shot perfectly only for it to bounce off at the corner of the upright and the crossbar to the relief of City Stars.
Moments later it is City Stars that gained advantage when Talanta keeper Michael Kalemora clipped Sanneh who had raced to meet a through ball from Davis Agesa. It led to a penalty that the Gambian sent home to end his four-game goal drought for the winning goal.
With the triumph, unbeaten City Stars hit the 35 point mark after 13 games to open up a 19-point gap over Talanta who remain ninth in the standings.
Next up for City Stars is Ushuru FC at the Hope centre on Wednesday 13 November 2019 as FC Talanta travels to Muranga SEAL.
Lineups
FC Talanta
Starting XI: 25. Michael Kalemora, 20. Ronny Katumanga, 2. Erick Shikono, 6. Michael Kahagi (Captain), 5. Moses Otieno, 29. Phelix Ouma, 10. Anthony Gichu, 14. Chris Opondo, 7. Brian Juma, 28. Gideon Were, 17. Job Tinyo
Subs: Joel Mukabi, 13. Patrick Andrea, 9. Rodgers Omondi, 23. Michael Jano, 8. Patrick Muchiri, 30. Anthony Oginga, 22. Abdul Wahab
Nairobi City Stars
Starting XI: 23. Levis Opiyo, 5. Wesley Onguso, 4. Salim Abdalla (Captain), 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 28. Kevin Okumu, 3. Charles Otieno (13. Eric Ochieng), 18. Jimmy Bageya (25. David Gateri), 17. Davis Agesa, 21. Oliver Maloba (16. Vincent Otieno), 2. Elvis Ojiambo, 29. Ebrima Sanneh,
Unused subs:1. Ronny Kagunzi, 17. Noah Abich, 12. Edwin Buliba 8. Calvin Masawa