10 Jun 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Betway Cup, Maloba
Oliver Maloba on the ball against Bidco in the quarters of Betway Cup on Thur 10 June 2021 at Ruaraka grounds. Bidco United won 1-0

Betway Cup: Journey ends with Bidco defeat

June 10, 2021

A 1-0 defeat to Bidco United on Thursday 10 June 2021, at Ruaraka, ended Nairobi City Stars’ dream of making it through to the Betway Cup semis.

A lob by David Orem goal in the 21st minute is all it took for Bidco United to end Nairobi City Stars ride from the quarters to the semis of the Cup.

The game was cagey inside the first five minutes but in the next two minutes, the action was on either end.

After stopper Salim Abdalla put a stop to a Bidco player in the box, the ball was on the other end where Oliver Maloba failed to trigger the ball home while in the box. Skipper Anthony Muki Kimani’s follow-up rolled out.

In the 14th minute, Orem could have opened the scores had he timed his header to a perfect Alex Sunga cross from the right. It weaved wide.

But he atoned for the miss minutes later when lobbed the ball, delivered by Stephen Waruru, over keeper Stephen Njunge for what turned out to be the winner despite a clearance attempt from left-back Bolton Omwenga on the line.

The debate of whether it crossed the line or not was put to a halt when assistant referee Mary Njoroge at the far end, perhaps with the best view of it, signaled for a goal that centre referee Dr. Peter Kamau duly awarded.

Two minutes after the half-hour mark, striker Davis Agesa fumbled with the ball within meters of Bidco keeper Zamu Adisa while in the box and three minutes later he fired high as City Stars searched for the leveler.

The missed chances continued to pile when lead striker Nicholas Kipkirui failed to get the perfect connections to two balls inside the final five minutes before the breather.

A foul on Sven Yida right after the restart led to a freekick but Bolton’s take only earned an unfruitful corner. Moments later Agesa’s header on Muki’s delivery went wide as Simba wa Nairobi continued to chase the game.

In the 50th minute, Bidco could have doubled matters had Waruru’s low drive at the edge of the box, after making a good run from the left, had not ended in Njunge’s arms.

Within the next ten minutes Bidco United had two cut-ins from the flanks, by Sunga and right back David Kalama, but the final ball by both flew wide off target.

City Stars then opted for new ideas pulling out Maloba for speedster Rodgers Okuse Okumu – who was celebrating his birthday – as well as his former Coast Stima teammate Erick Ombija for Agesa.

Within eight minutes of his arrival, Okuse won a freekick and two dangerous corners. Off the second one, the ball got to Ombija whose half bicycle kick ricocheted off the crossbar. A follow-up by Sven went just wide.

Bidco then changed tact in the game with the introduction of Batts Awita for Stephen Waruru and Lambert Otieno for Sunga.

City Stars too made changes by throwing in header specialist Ebrima Sanneh for skipper Muki and like-for-like changes for stopper Wycliffe Otieno for Kenedy Onyango as a precaution as he had a yellow card and his tackles were hard and spot-on.

But even with added firepower in the final third, City Stars chances upfront, off freekicks by Bolton, went begging with Bidco keeper Zamu getting to the end of most, if not all.

Rather unexplainably, one such delivery by Bolton a minute to time dropped in the box but failed to get a touch for a goal that could have sent the game to penalties. The ball frustratingly rolled out to the far end of the pitch for a goal kick.

One last effort by Bolton in the 3rd and final minute off added time landed at Zamu bringing the end-to-end affair to a close.

With the win, Bidco United sails on to the semis to face league champion Gor Mahia who also made it to the last four after seeing off finalists in the last three Cup editions Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 in another last eight-game played at Utalii on Thursday.

For City Stars, the focus now shifts back to the premier league. The next assignment is against Western Stima at Utalii grounds on Tuesday 15 June starting 3 pm.

Lineups

Bidco United: 21. Omar Zamu Adisa, 4. David Kalama, 16. Geoffrey Gitau, 18. Francis Oduor, 24. Anthony Simasi, 2. Jacob Onyango, 31. Peter Nzuki, 7. Alex Juma (12. Lambert Otieno-70), 19. David Orem (8. Steven Okiro-90+3), 28. Eric Gichimu (30. Anthony Gathu-80), 22. Stephen Waruru (11. Batts Awita-70)

Unused subs: 1. Edwin Omwambani (GK), 40. Wilson Anekeya, 6. Mwinyi Kassim, 15. Hillary Shirao, 14. Stephen Obukui

Coach: Anthony Akhulia

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 26. Bolton Omwenga, 25. Kenedy Onyango (22. Wycliffe Otieno-75), 4. Salim Abdalla, 19. Kevin Okumu, 10. Peter Opiyo, 18. Sven Yidah, 30. Anthony Kimani-Captain (29. Ebrima Sanneh-75), 11. Davis Agesa (24. Erick Ombija-69), 21. Oliver Maloba (7. Rodgers Okumu-60), 17. Nicholas Kipkirui

Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 8. Calvin Masawa, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 3. Charles Otieno,

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 5. Wesley Onguso, 12. Edwin Buliba, 27. Azizi Okaka, 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth

Coach: Sanjin Alagic

Yellow cards

Nairobi City Stars: 25. Kenedy Onyango (11), 11. Davis Agesa (16)

Bidco United: 4. David Kalama (78), 12. Lambert Otieno (80),

09 Jun 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars, Chale
Charles 'Chale' Otieno getting closer to full recuperation after months of rehab

Betway Cup: ‘Chale’ back for quarters

June 9, 2021

Hard tackler Charles Chale Otieno Oduro is the only new inclusion as Nairobi City Stars focuses on the quarterfinal of Betway Cup on Thursday 10 June 2021 against Bidco United at Ruaraka starting 3pm. 

The defensive-minded Chale, who takes up the place of utility back Edwin Buliba, was forced to miss two straight games against Fortune Sacco and Ulinzi Stars due to suspension after being slapped with a straight red card during the first round of games against Mutomo Tigers in Kitui in mid-February.

Buliba was one of three changes, other than Bolton Omwenga and Kevin Okumu, to the last squad that overcame Ulinzi Stars 2-0 to romp to the quarters.

With Chale in, head coach Sanjin Alagic has an extra option in the mid of the pack that includes Peter Opiyo and Sven Yidah.

20-man squad to face Bidco United

Goalkeepers: 16. Jacob Osano, 23. Steve Njunge

Defenders: 8. Calvin Masawa, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 26. Bolton Omwenga, 19. Kevin Okumu

Midfielders: 10. Peter Opiyo, 21. Oliver Maloba, 18. Sven Yidah, 30. Anthony Kimani, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 3. Charles Otieno

Strikers: 11. Davis Agesa, 24. Erick Ombija, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 5. Wesley Onguso,  12. Edwin Buliba, 27. Azizi Okaka, 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth

08 Jun 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Makati, Nairobi City Stars
Rowland Makati in a past friendly with Nairobi City Stars against Posta Rangers at the Jamhuri Park

Makati scores winner

June 8, 2021

Makati, 20, scored the winning goal a minute to halftime as Nairobi Stima pipped MCF 2-1 in a round 21 National Super League (NSL) clash played at Camp Toyoyo on Monday 7 June 2021.

Makati’s goal, a second straight for resurgent Stima coming right after one last week in a 3-1 rout of Gusii United, turned out to be the decider as MCF’s 7scored a 73rd-minute consolation through Bradley Omondi.

Makati’s goal, his fourth of the season, came just three minutes after his teammate Hillary Otieno got to the end of a Benjamin Chaka goal for the opener.

Makati, a natural attacking midfielder, is on a season-long loan at Nairobi Stima alongside defensive midfielder Ronney Kola.

He initiated a flowing move to Fortune Omoto who returned the favor and he fired home a low shot at the near post to double the scores.

“We monitor the two youngsters very closely and we are happy when they put in a good shift to hand Nairobi Stima full points,” said team coordinator Samson Otieno

“They went on a mutually beneficial loan to gain much-needed exposure this season before they can return to contest for positions at City next term,”

“We are impressed by Makati’s current form as well as Kola’s progress and we have to thank his coaches Barrack and Macharia for putting trust in them.” added Samson

From the Monday win, Nairobi Stima has now eased their relegation worries by moving up two places to the 15th spot with 25 points and within seven points of fourth-placed MCF.

08 Jun 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars, Betway Cup
Davis Agesa takes a 'guard' of honor after scoring City Stars' second goal against Ulinzi Stars in a BetWay Cup round of 16 clash at Ruaraka on Sun 6 June 2021. City Stars won 2-0

Betway Cup: Venue shift for quarters clash

June 8, 2021

Nairobi City Stars will face off with Bidco United in the quarter-final of the Betway Cup on Thursday 10 June 2021 at Ruaraka and not Thika Stadium as had earlier been scheduled.

The shift was confirmed in a communication from the Federation to all quarterfinalists on Monday evening.

According to the Federation, fixture congestion occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic and the need to conclude the FKF Betway Cup within the set-out CAF deadline, as well as the possibility of having the said cup matches broadcasted live on Television, informed the switch of venues.

The quarters will now be played as follows;

Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
Match No. 57: Bandari FC vs Equity FC | Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi | 3pm
Match No. 59: Tusker FC vs AFC Leopards SC | Utalii Grounds, Nairobi | 3pm

Thursday, June 10, 2021.
Match No. 58: Nairobi City Stars FC vs Bidco United FC | Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi | 3pm
Match No. 60: Gor Mahia FC vs Kariobangi Sharks | Utalii Grounds, Nairobi | 3pm

Winners of matches 57 and 59, as well as 58 and 60, will face off in the semi-finals set for Sunday 13 June 2021.

For a place in the quarters, Bidco stopped Egerton Univerity 1-0 in Thika as City Stars disarmed Ulinzi Stars 2-0 at Ruaraka.

06 Jun 2021
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars
Kevin Okumu leads City Stars parade after Nicholas Kipkirui's opening goal against Ulinzi Stars in a BetWay Cup round of 16 clash at Ruaraka on Sun 6 June 2021. City Stars won 2-0

Betway Cup: City Stars march past Ulinzi

June 6, 2021

Nairobi City Stars qualified for the Betway Cup quarterfinals to face Bidco United after marching past Ulinzi Stars 2-0 at Ruaraka grounds on Sunday 6 June 2021.

A goal in either half by strikers Nicholas Kipkirui – his first ever for the club – and another by Davis Agesa, off two assists by skipper Anthony Muki Kimani, handed Simba wa Nairobi the ticket out of the round of 16 to the last eight.

Ulinzi provided the earliest of appetizers for the game when, two minutes in, lively winger Clinton Omondi slinked down the right wind before pulling the trigger only for the ball to fly wide.

Five minutes later Ulinzi’s towering striker Oscar Wamalwa raced into the box only for City Stars stopper Kenedy Onyango to steal the ball on the tackle to clear out the danger.

In between the two attempts by Ulinzi, City Stars had a freekick driven to the Ulinzi box by Muki only for a few players to be caught offside.

A Bolton Omwenga freekick, a Sven Yidah shot on goal and, one more from flyer Rodgers Okumu off a perfect pass from Agesa, and a freekick by Kimani were the activities from City Stars within a span of five minutes after Wamalwa was stopped by Onyango.

All that while it is Ulinzi Stars that dominated the midfield with John Njuguna and John Kago pulling the strings.

On 17 minutes, City Stars thought they had found the opener when the ball, off a Bolton corner, bounced off Kipkirui into the net. It was ruled offside.

Two minutes later, stopper Onyango had to work overtime to clear a good buildup from midfield by Ulinzi. The ball finally ended up with City Stars keeper Steve Njunge.

Right after the water break, it was all Ulinzi who forced three corners and two freekicks taken within two minutes

On 29 minutes, City Stars speedster Okuse burst into the Ulinzi box but instead of taking a shot on goal, he squared a pass that was cleared by Ulinzi.

Three minutes later, Kipkirui won a freekick following a challenge by Ulinzi stopper Alex Masinde. Muki floated the ball into the box and it is Kipkirui who connected to it after keeper James Sarunsi punched the ball his way to activate the scoresheet with his maiden goal for Simba wa Nairobi. 

The goal spurred Ulinzi and four minutes later, Clinton off the right fired a shot goalward but missed the target by inches.

City Stars could have doubled the lead not too long after only for Bolton to fire high a neat Muki pass at the edge of the box.

The last three minutes to the breather had Ulinzi stationed at City Stars area. A wasted corner, a Clinton shot straight at Njunge, and a well-timed header by Masita Masuta were the final set of actions in the first half.

The second half kicked off with the introduction of Omar Boraafya for an out marked Wamalwa as Ulinzi looked to bolster their attack.

A minute after the change, City Stars were 2-0 up after Agesa dispossessed keeper James Saruni who failed to contain a Muki through ball to score from a tight angle.

The ball seemed to be headed out but Saruni chose to stop it and made a mess of it to gift Agesa his first-ever domestic cup goal for City Stars.

It could have been worse for Ulinzi had Sven buried a good buildup and Kipkirui connected to a Bolton freekick all within seven minutes of the second goal.

Heading to the second-half water break, Eric Ombija was introduced for Rodgers Okumu who couldn’t handle the physicality of the game as Ulinzi brought in midfielder Kelvin Thairu for Masuta and defender Bonaventure Muchika for Clinton.

Moments later Sven met a cutback and fired goalward only for Saruni to get a finger to it and force a fruitless corner. On the other end, Ulinzi could not account for a shot from Njuguna as it was wayward.

For the rest of the half, Njunge was called to action on a few occasions to thwart a header from Muchika and freekick from Njuguna and another header from left-back Harun Mwale.

City Stars were to end the game with a miscued lob from substitute Ombija.

Next up for Simba wa Nairobi is the last eight-game with Bidco United at the Thika Stadium on Wednesday 9 June 2021 starting 1pm.

To land Ulinzi Stars in the round of 16, City Stars took out Fortune Sacco 1-0 at Kianyaga Stadium on Sunday in the round of 32.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 26. Bolton Omwenga, 4. Salim Abdalla, 25. Kenedy Onyango (22. Wycliffe Otieno-85), 19. Kevin Okumu, 18. Sven Yidah (21. Oliver Maloba-85),  10. Peter Opiyo, 30. Anthony Kimani – Captain (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-74), 7. Rodgers Okumu (24. Erick Ombija-58), 11. Davis Agesa, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (32. Ezekiel Odera-85)

Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 29. Ebrima Sanneh

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 20. Timothy Ouma, 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 15. John Kamau, 5. Wesley Onguso, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 3. Charles Otieno, 27. Azizi Okaka

Coach: Sanjin Alagic

Ulinzi Stars: 1. James Saruni – Captain, 35. Brian Birgen, 30. Harun Mwale, 39. Alex Masinde, 15. George Omondi, 18 Bonface Onyango, 11. John Njuguna, 8. John Kago, 24. Oscar Wamalwa (23. Omar Boraafya-46), 10. Masita Masuta Bitolwa (32. Kelvin Thairu-60), 7. Clinton Omondi (12. Bonaventure Muchika-60)

Unused subs: 20. Jackton Odhiambo, 21. Bernard Ongoma, 34. Abdalla Hamisi, 28. Churchill Muloma, 29. Ibrahim Shambi,

Coach: Benjamin Nyangweso

Yellow cards

Nairobi City Stars: 4. Salim Abdalla, 25. Kenedy Onyango (both on 22′), 10. Peter Opiyo (41), 30. Anthony Kimani (75), 4. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (89)

Ulinzi Stars: None

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