MD5: Nairobi City Stars 1 Sofapaka 1

A Yuto Kusaba strike in the second half saw Nairobi City Stars come from behind to tie Sofapaka 1-1 during a matchday five tie played in Machakos on Saturday 19 October 2024.

Sofapaka took the lead at the half hour mark through a corner kick.

Yuto’s response came ten minutes into the restart after he turned home a keeper’s spilled ball following a hard shot from Elvis Noor.

From the results, Simba wa Nairobi moves u two places to 14th spot with two points, with Sofapaka right behind with as many points.

Next up for City Stars is an away game in Mumias vs Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday 23 October, 2024 starring at 3 pm

Gilbert Abala celebrating his maiden premier league goal against Sofapaka in Dandora on 15 Jun 2024. His equalizing goal settled the game at 1-1
Gilbert Abala celebrating his maiden premier league goal against Sofapaka in Dandora on 15 Jun 2024. His equalizing goal settled the game at 1-1

Head-to-head: Nairobi City Stars (H) vs Sofapaka (A): 2024/25 FKF Premier League season

Nairobi City Stars will host Sofapaka during an FKF Matchday 5 tie in Machakos on Saturday 19 October 2024 starting 1 pm.

City Stars has hosted Sofapaka eleven times before in the premier league and registered three wins, four losses, and as many  draws.

In those games, Simba wa Nairobi and Sofapaka are tied on goals scored: nine apiece.

On 19 June 2024, Sofapaka and City Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Dandora Stadium during the penultimate game of last season.

A Gilbert Abala goal – his debut strike in the top flight, cancelled out one by Darius Msagha for the game to end in even Stevens.

In the upcoming game, coach Nicholas Muyoti will be up against Sofapaka’s Robert Matano who joined the club at the start of the season.

Both teams come to the game reeling from loses: City Stars carries a 2-1 loss against AFC Leopards, and Sofapaka a 1-0 loss to Bandari.

Table-wise, City Stars is 16th with a single point while Sofapaka is lower at 18th with as many points, but with a lesser goal aggregate.

Who wins this one?

Summary of City Stars home games vs Sofapaka

Total home games: 11. City Stars (3 wins), Sofapaka (4 wins), 4 draws

26-Apr-09, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 1-1 (D)

24-Oct-10, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 2-0 (W)

4-May-11, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 1-0 (W)

18-Aug-12, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 0-0 (D)

20-Apr-13, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 1-3 (L)

12-Sep-14, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 0-1 (L)

2-May-15, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 0-0 (D)

23-Apr-16, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 0-1 (L)

24-May-21, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 3-0 (W)

23-Apr-22, City Stars vs Sofapaka, 0-2 (L)

19 Jun-24 City Stars vs Sofapaka, 1-1 (D)

19 Oct-24 City Stars vs Sofapaka, ??

Abuyeka Kubasu
Abuyeka Kubasu in Machakos after a matchday 22, 2023-24 FKF Premier League game against Gor Mahia on Saturday 17 Feb 2024

Abuyeka, Ochoro in for Sofa clash

For the first time this season, midfielder Abuyeka Kubasu has been drafted to a match day squad as City Stars eyes the first season win, over Sofapaka, during a 2024-5 matchday five premiership tie set for Machakos on Saturday 19 Oct 2024 starting at 1 pm.

Abuyeka missed the first three games of the season but is now in for forward Kelvin Etemsesi who is one of two changes from the squad that took on AFC Leopards in the last game.

The other change is in the goalkeeping department where Elvis Ochoro takes up the place of Byron Owino.

Save for Abuyeka and Ochoro, the other 18 players maintained their places in the squad.

Squad to face Sofapaka

Goalkeepers: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 13. Elvis Ochoro

Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 6. Brian Opinde, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, , 30. Rowland Makati

Midfielders: 3. Sven Yidah , 16. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 25. Brian Mzee, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu

Forwards: 5. Robinson Asenwa, 9. Yuto Kusaba, 10. Dennis Oalo, 11. Mohammed Bajaber, 27. Gilbert Abala, 28. Andre Kalama

Out: 7. Pius Omachi, 13. Elvis Ochoro, 17. Brian Mose Nyambane, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 21. Rogers Wasega, 22. Stephen Bulugu, 26. James Ssemambo, 32. Byron Owino

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Stephen Bulugu in Nairobi City Stars @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024
Stephen Bulugu in Nairobi City Stars @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024

Stephen Bulugu: It’s only a matter of time

Left back Stephen Bulugu is staying focused on the patience lane as he waits to fully recover from a recent injury.

Bulugu, an offseason signing from Muhoroni Youth, has so far missed on making the squads in the opening three games against Bidco United, Mara Sugar, and AFC Leopards.

“A slight injury has kept me out from my debut but it’s only a matter of time and I will be ready to feature for the team,” said the Tanzania national

Beyond the wait, Bulugu is enjoying his time at Simba wa Nairobi since his arrival.

“In the short time I have been here, City Stars has already become my big family. Everyone has become a close friend. I feel well guided so far and I am happy to be part of the establishment,”

“Training has been good and I must thank the technical bench for the clear structure they deploy,” he added

Bulugu came in as a direct replacement for Dennis Wanjala who pursued other interests upon expiry of his tenure. He is one of three new faces signed besides centre back Brian Opinde, flyer Andre Kalama, and midfielder James Ssemambo.

The four were accompanied to City Stars by the returning defensive mid Sven Yidah who made his way back after two seasons out.

Bulugu will don jersey no. 22 this season.

Stephen Bulugu @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024

Bajaber vs Leopards @Dandora Stadium on Sun 29 Sep 2024
Bajaber vs Leopards @Dandora Stadium on Sun 29 Sep 2024

MD4: AFC Leopards 2 Nairobi City Stars 1

Two goals from two mistakes by Nairobi City Stars handed AFC Leopards a 2-1 win during a matchday four tie played in Dandora Stadium on Sunday 29 September 2024.

Leopards scored within the first 15 minutes and in the last five minutes of the first half for the win. Simba wa Nairobi‘s response was at the hour mark when Elvis Noor, on his first start this season, headed in a Sven Yidah float.

From the results, City Stars remains 16th in the 18-team log with a single point from three outings as Leopards shot to second spot with nine points from four games.

Next up for City Stars is a home game against Sofapaka on Sat 19 Oct 2024.

Lineups