03 Aug 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars
Nicholas Kipkirui celebrates a second goal for Nairobi City Stars in a round 30 game played in Ruaraka on Tue 3 Aug 2021. City Stars won the game 2-1

City Stars maul Leopards to set record

August 3, 2021

A goal on either half by Ezekiel Odera and Nicholas Kipkirui handed Nairobi City Stars a 2-1 win over AFC Leopards in a round 30 Betking Premier League clash played at Ruaraka on Tuesday 3 August 2021.

The win enabled Nairobi City Stars to set two new records of surpassing 11 wins and 43-points in a 30-game season set back in the 2009 season as the team finished in the sixth spot.

It was a record 12th season win that saw Simba wa Nairobi scale up to a record 44 points to settle at third.

Odera tapped home a cross from Bolton Omwenga in the 34th minute for the opener for a 1-0 halftime lead.

Leopards clawed back to tie the game three minutes after the hour mark with a sublime Washington Munene freekick.

Five minutes later, a ball from fullback Kevin Okumu that was first met by Timothy Ouma ended up in Kipkirui’s path who then fired a low shot home for what eventually earned all spoils for Simba wa Nairobi.

The game was cagey in the starting minutes but it is Leopards that had pressure on the hosts after forcing a corner and few throw-ins within 12 minutes.

A timid shot to City Stars keeper Steve Njunge by Elvis Rupia, after pouncing on a miscued ball from Bolton Omwenga, soon followed.

With good numbers in midfield, Leopards pinned down Simba wa Nairobi forcing four fruitless freekicks as the clock struck half an hour mark.

In the 32nd minute, Leopards keeper Benjamin Ochan let a ball slip towards goal; Timothy Ouma gave chase but to no good effect. He gave away a foul.

Within the next two minutes, a freekick by skipper Anthony Kimani ended up with Bolton far up the field and the left-back fired the ball to the box that received a flick from Odera for the opener.

Leopards response was immediate and two minutes later, Marvin Nabwire smacked the upright after getting to the end of a flowing move. From that near-miss, City Stars forced two corners that Leopards failed to account for.

Odera could have added the score minutes later but was caught offside once, then fired a Kipkirui pass just wide.

Had he been more precise, Harrison Mwendwa could have leveled matters for Leopards in the 39th minute but he fired wide while in the box.

The final three minutes to halftime saw Odera miss to place a free header when unmarked in the box after being picked out from the right by Kevin Chumsy Okumu.

A response on the other end by Marvin for Leopards, a wide shot, ended the first half.

At the start of the second half, Peter Thiong’o should have done better from a lost Bolton ball; but he shot wide.

City Stars then won two important freekicks but one by Bolton and the other by Muki were both wasted.

To manage balls from a packed midfield, City Stars coach John Amboko brought on Sven Yidah for Elvis Noor Ojiambo in the 55th minute.

Not too long after, Davis Agesa and Timothy Ouma made it to the Leopards box only to fire wide and straight at Ochan, respectively.

Two minutes after the hour mark Leopards brought on Austin Ochieng and Caleb Olilo for Harrison Mwendwa and Collins Shivachi, respectively.

Within minutes Olilo had tested Njunge with a shot.

A freekick from good range a minute after saw Munene dump the ball at the far right corner past a diving Njunge for the leveler.

But within five minutes Kipkirui restored City Stars goal advantage when he fired low past Ochan.

It was his last action in the game as he came off for Erick Ombija as Herit Mungai came on for Ouma.

The action continued within eight minutes of the goal as Odera – later named the games’ MVP – fired wide while in the box as Agesa drove low to force Ochan into a good save.

As expected, Leopards were dominant in the final minutes after bringing on Shaka for Munene.

Two back-to-back throw-ins from ingwe however failed to bring about the much-sought equalizer allowing City stars to carry the day.

With a second straight win that avenged a 1-0 loss to Leopards in the first leg at Kasarani, City Stars moves up two places from fifth as Leopards dropped to seventh with 41 points.

Next up for City Stars is a Saturday game with Mathare United at Ruaraka.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge, 19. Kevin Okumu, 22. Wyclife Otieno, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 26. Bolton Omwenga, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (Sven Yidah-55), 30. Anthony Kimani (Captain), 20. Timothy Ouma (28. Herit Mungai-70) , 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (24. Erick Ombija-70) , 32. Ezekiel Odera (9. Vincent Otieno-82), 11. Davis Agesa

Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 3. Charles Otieno, 15. John Kamau,

Coach: John Amboko

AFC Leopards: 99. Benjamin Ochan, 22. Collins Shivachi (77. Caleb Olilo-62), 3. Washington Munene (13. Bienvenue Shaka-80), 15. Robert Mudenyu, 12. Isaac Kipyegon (Captain), 6. Tsuma Said, 7. Harrison Mwendwa (23. Austin Odhiambo-62), 26. Marvin Omondi, 10. Elvis Rupia, 8. Brian Wanyama, 14. Peter Thiong’o

Unused subs; 16. John Oyemba, 2. Yusu Mainge, 20. Dan Sunguti, 11. Hansel Ochieng, 24. Omar Somoebwana, 18. Bonface Mukhekhe

Coach: Patrick Aussems

Yellow cards

Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (36), 19. Kevin Okumu (44), 30. Anthony Kimani (68), 22. Wycliffe Otieno (74)
AFC Leopards: 26. Marvin Omondi (87), 77. Caleb Olilo (89)

03 Aug 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars
Salim Shitu Abdalla takes on AFC Leopards Isaac Kipyegon in a round 15 Premier League played at KAsarani on Sat 6 Mar 2021. Leopards won the game 1-0

Head to head: Nairobi City Stars (H) vs AFC Leopards (A)

August 3, 2021

On Tuesday 3 August 2021, Nairobi City Stars will host AFC Leopards for the tenth time in the premier league, this time during a match 30 tie in the 2020/21 season set to start at 3.15 pm in Ruaraka.

It will be the first time since May 2006 that City Stars will host Leopards at Ruaraka.

Back then, when the team was known as World Hope, City Stars won it 1-0 thanks to Geoffrey Okoth’s 20th-minute strike.

In the last nine home encounters, results have been discrete as draws have never been registered. City Stars has beaten Leopards five times and lost the other four.

Though City Stars has taken most points from its home games with Leopards, they start on the back foot having lost the first leg tie 1-0 after conceding a 94th-minute goal at Kasarani Annex.

In the last home games, City Stars has outscored Leopards 10 goals to seven.

Between the first leg game and now, the major change at City Stars is the exit of Coach Sanjin Alagic whose contract expired. His place has since been taken up by John Amboko.

Leopards on their part still have Patrick Aussems as the man in charge.

Heading to the game, City Stars sits fifth in the standings and just ahead of Leopards on goal difference.

Form-wise, City Stars is eighth in the standings, four places higher than Leopards.

Who wins this one?

Summary

KPL home games vs AFC Leopards; Wins (5), Draws (0), Loses (4)

28-May-06; World Hope vs Leopards, 1-0 (W)
7-Feb-09; City Stars vs Leopards, 2-0 (W)
28-Aug-10; City Stars vs Leopards, 0-1 (L)
17-Apr-11; City Stars vs Leopards, 1-2 (L)
5-May-12; City Stars vs Leopards, 3-0 (W)
5-May-13; City Stars vs Leopards, 2-1 (W)
23-Jul-14; City Stars vs Leopards, 0-2 (L)
21-Mar-15; City Stars vs Leopards, 0-1 (L)
3-Apr-16; City Stars vs Leopards, 1-0 (W)

Nairobi City Stars

Davis Agesa in a game against AFC Leopards on Sat 6 Mar 2021 during a round 15 Premier League tie. Leopards won 1-0

03 Aug 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars
Spoiler Sven Yiday during a the Western Stima game at Moi Stadium, Kisumu on Wednesday 23 February 2021 during a match day 13 Kenyan Premier League tie. Simba wa Nairobi won the game 2-0

One change against AFC Leopards

August 3, 2021

In comes, Sven Yidah, and out goes Azizi Okaka. That’s the only change from the squad that beat log leaders Tusker FC 1-0 in the last encounter ahead of the matchup with AFC Leopards on Tuesday 3 August 2021 at Ruaraka starting 3 pm.

Sven had been out with the Kenya squad for the U23 championship in Ethiopia and only just returned.

While in Ethiopia – alongside Oliver Maloba – Sven missed games against Gor Mahia, Vihiga United, Bidco United, and the last one against Tusker.

“That’s the only change that we have made to the last squad. He will improve the bench power as we take on Leopards.” said head coach John Amboko

From the squad that faced Leopards in the first leg, and lost 1-0 to a 94th-minute goal, the changes are seven.

Young keeper, Elvis Ochoro’s place has been taken up by Jacob Osano. Defenders Salim Abdalla and Wesley Onguso and their places have been taken up by Edwin Buliba and Herit Mungai.

Midfielder Maloba is out due to injury picked in Ethiopia as well as flyer Rodgers Okumu, Peter Opiyo, and striker Ebrima Sanneh.

Their places have been filled up by John Kamau, Elvis Noor Ojiambo, and strikers Vincent Otieno and, Nicholas Kipkirui.

20-man squad to face AFC Leopards

Goalkeepers: 16. Jacob Osano (GK), 23. Steve Njunge (GK),

Defenders: 26. Balton Omwenga, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 8. Calvin Masawa, 19. Kevin Okumu, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 12. Edwin Buliba

Midfielders: 30. Anthony Kimani, 3. Charles Otieno, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 18. Sven Yidah, 15. John Kamau,

Strikers: 17. Nicholas Kipkirui , 11. Davis Agesa, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 24. Erick Ombija

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 21. Oliver Maloba (injured), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 5. Wesley Onguso, 27. Azizi Okaka, 4. Salim Abdalla (suspended), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (injury), 7. Rodgers Okumu (rest), 10. Peter Opiyo (injury)

02 Aug 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Timothy Ouma, City Stars
Attacking midfielder Timothy 'Babu' Ouma in action for Nairobi City Stars during a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka. He provided the all important assist

City Stars trio in TOTW 29

August 2, 2021

Three Nairobi City Stars players; defender Wycliffe Otieno, keeper Stephen Njunge and midfielder Timothy Babu Ouma made it to the team of the week after round 29  games.

To make it to the best 11, the trio aided Nairobi City Stars to a 1-0 win over log leaders Tusker at Ruaraka on Friday 30 July 2021.

Ezekiel Odera scored the lone goal in the 53rd minute after getting to the end of a long ball by teenager Ouma.

Babu, as Ouma is fondly known, clocked his first premier league 90 minutes in that game and came out as the man of the match.

While Ouma made a debut in the team of the week, Wycliffe was making a return while Njunge made his sixth appearance. He registered his eleventh clean sheet against Tusker.

“I am really happy for them in being recognised in the list of the best.” said head coach John Amboko

Fresh from that accolade, the trio and company will look up to their next assignment against AFC Leopards on Tuesday 3 August at Ruaraka starting at 3.15 pm.

30 Jul 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Odera, Tusker, City Stars
Striker Ezekiel Odera celebrates his 53rd minute goal that handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka

Odera goal brings down Tusker

July 30, 2021

Nairobi City Stars hit log leaders Tusker FC 1-0 at their own backyard in Ruaraka on Friday 30 July 2021 during a round 29 Betking Premier League game to snap a three-game winless run.

Odera got to the end of a perfect Timothy Noor Ouma pass in the 53rd minute to steal right back Eric Ambunya’s short header towards keeper Emery Mvuyekure to fire a slow ball that went all the way past the line.

With the win, Simba wa Nairobi shot up from the ninth spot to fifth with a new haul of 41 points. Despite the loss, Tusker stays top with 55 points.

Next up for City Stars is a round 30 clash against AFC Leopards at the same Ruaraka grounds starting 3.15 pm.

Lineups

Tusker: 20. Emery Mvuyekure (GK), 26. Erick Ambunya, 23. Sammy Miseh (Hillary Wandera-56), 40. Eugene Asike (Captain), 15. Rodgers Aloro, 30. Humphrey Mieno, 4. Apollo Otieno (14. Faraj Ominde-68), 16. Jackson Macharia (25. Kevin Okoth-56), 12. Cristopher Ochieng (7. Erick Zakayo-56), 17. Chrispinus Onyango (24. Luke Namanda-56), 21. Brian Marita

Unused subs: 29. Michael Wanjala, 2. Vincent Ngesa, 19. Jimmy Mbugua, 5. Michael Madoya

Coach: Robert Matano

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge, 19. Kevin Okumu, 22. Wyclife Otieno, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 26. Bolton Omwenga, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 30. Anthony Kimani (Captain), 20. Timothy Ouma, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (3. Charles Otieno-89) , 32. Ezekiel Odera (28. Herit Mungai-79) 11. Davis Agesa (24. Erick Ombija-73),

Unsused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Okoth

Coach: John Amboko

Yellow cards

Tusker: 15. Rodgers Aloro (55), 17. Chrispinus Onyango (57), Kevin Okoth (86),
Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (59), 22. Wycliffe Otieno (69), 23. Steve Njunge (71)

Odera, Tusker, City Stars

Midfielder Timothy Ouma celebrates with scorer Ezekiel Odera celebrates a 53rd minute goal that handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka

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