Hosts Kakamega Homeboyz handed City Stars a 2-0 defeat in a match day 11 Premier League clash at Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday 6 February 2021.
The defeat, the third straight for Simba wa Nairobi, was confirmed by second half goals by Shami Kibwana in the 71st minute and one more at the death by super sub David Okoth.
It mattered little that Homeboyz played a man less from the 82nd minute after Brian Shikanda was slapped with a second yellow card to exit the game.
As was the case in the previous game against Kariobangi Sharks, City Stars were victims of their own missed chances in the first half with no less that four attempts on goal not made use of.
Davis Agesa rounded up two Homeboyz defenders eleven minutes in but his aim for goal was off. Four minutes on Homeboyz winger Stephen Etyang had a response on the other end but his shot was off the mark.
25 minutes in Elvis Noor Ojiambo, in for injured Sven Yidah, timed a cross well but his shot for goal was just off.
He mistimed yet another delivery from skipper Peter Pinchez Opiyo ten minutes later to increase City Stars near misses count as his header went wide.
A few minutes later Agesa saw his header miss the target and with three minutes left to the break, Pinchez forced the best of reflexive stretches from Homeboyz keeper Geoffrey Oputi to keep out his freekick.
While City Stars owned the first half, the tide changed in the next one. Ten minutes after the restart City Stars had to clear a dangerous corner from Homeboyz to stay in the game.
The hosts were not to be denied tough with 19 minutes left when an uncleared ball in the box was rammed home by Shami Mwinyi for the opening goal.
The hosts confirmed all spoils when marauding winger David Okoth outran his former team mate Kenedy Onyango to slam home a late add-on.
With the latest win, Homeboyz shot to tenth spot with 11 points in the process pushing City Stars – currently on ten points – down a spot to 13th.
Next up for Simba wa Nairobi is a home game against Zoo FC of Kericho on Saturday 20 February 2021.
Lineups
Kakamega Homeboyz: 26. Geoffrey Oputi (GK), 44. Brian Shikanda, 13. Thomas Wainaina, 15. Sylvester Wanyama, 20. George Odiwuor, 8. Stephen Mukongolo, 10. Moses Mudavadi, 24. Ali Bhai-Captain, 22. Chris Masinza, 2. Shami Mwinyi (16. Collins Odhiambo-84), 7. Stephen Etyang (9. David Okoth-56)
Unused subs: 32. David Juma (GK), 21. Estone Esiye, 6. Benjamin Oketch, 11. Emmanuel Amwehe, 11. Robert Arot
Coach: Nicholas Muyoti
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza (32. Ezekiel Odera-81), 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 10. Peter Opiyo-Captain, 21. Oliver Maloba (20. Timothy Noor Ouma-81), Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 22. Wycliffe Otieno (27. Azizi Okaka-81), 24. Erick Ombija (26. Bolton Omwenga-63), 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu (9. Vincent Otieno Okoth-70)
Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano (GK), 3. Charles Otieno
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 12. Edwin Buliba (thigh injury), 8. Calvin Masawa (thigh injury), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 15. John Kamau, 30. Anthony Kimani (shoulder injury), 18. Sven Yidah (knee injury), 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 5. Wesley Onguso
Coach: Sanjin Alagic
Yellow cards: 44. Brian Shikanda-40, 82 (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Goals: 2. Shami Mwinyi-73, 9. David Okoth-90 (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Match Officials: Israel Mpaima (centre ref), Steve Adeya (AR1), Doreen Kendi (AR2), Ageneta Mutubo (4th Official), John Aketch (Match Comm)
Davis Agesa against Homeboyz on Sat 6 Feb 2021 during a Premier League match day 11 game. Homeboz won 2-0Elvis Noor Ojiambo against Homeboyz on Sat 6 Feb 2021 during a Premier League match day 11 game. Rodgers Okumu looks on. Homeboyz won 2-0Oliver Maloba against Homeboyz on Sat 6 Feb 2021 during a Premier League match day 11 game. Homeboyz won 2-0
Nairobi City Stars suffered a second straight defeat after going down 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks in a tenth round Premier League tie at Kasarani Annex on Saturday 30 January 2021.
Julius Masaba sent Sharks 1-0 at the quarter hour mark with a cheeky lob and the response from City Stars came 20 minutes later when striker Davis Agesa sent home the ball off a flick from Wycliffe Otieno into the box from a throw in from skipper Peter Opiyo.
Sharks however had the last laugh when a long ball in the 81st minute found lead stiker Erick Kapaito who slammed home the ball with a low drive for maximum points.
While Sharks recovered from two straight losses against Tusker (4-2) and AFC Leopards (2-0), City Stars will be left to rue missed chances.
Agesa had no less than three chances inside the first 16 minutes. But he fired once just above bar, straight at Sharks keeper Brian Bwire, and a follow up shot just wide.
Four minutes after the hour mark saw stopper Kenedy Onyango sneak at the blind to meet Opiyo’s freekick only for the ball to whisk wide from his bullet header.
With five minutes to the break, Sharks midfielder Omoto met a perfect cross in the box only to sky the ball when it seemed easier to score.
Two minutes into the second half, Erick Ombija, the 2019/20 National Super League top scorer (17 goals) disposesed stopper Geoffrey Lemu to advance at goal. But within meters of the posts, he dilly dallied to allow Bwire steal the ball off his feet to waste yet another glorious chance for City Stars.
Eight minutes later it was the turn of Kapaito to shoot at goal but instead got a fruitless corner.
Daniel Sakari who came on for skipper Eric Juma tilted proceedings Sharks way and one of his crosses found Oyugi in the 61st minute. His shot ended up on the side netting.
The next few minutes saw Sakari cut in on the left flank only to sky his effort from close range and on the other end Ombija had a response. But once in the box he failed to place the ball home.
Then came the moment that won it for Sharks; a long ball from Tom Teka found Kapaito who wasted no time in delivering all spoils with the winning goal at the far post past keeper Steve Njunge.
With the latest loss City Stars drops to tenth with ten points as Sharks stays put at fifth with 18 points, four off the top.
Next up for City Stars is an away game to Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday 6 February 2021 at the Bukhungu Stadium starting 3pm.
Lineups
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 10. Peter Opiyo, 21. Oliver Maloba (3. Charles Otieno-86), 18. Sven Yidah, 22. Wycliffe Otieno (27. Azizi Okaka-86), 24. Erick Ombija (29. Ebrima Sanneh-69), 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu [20. Timothy Ouma-62 (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-86)]
Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano (GK), 5. Wesley Onguso, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 32. Ezekiel Odera
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa, 12. Edwin Buliba (thigh injury), 8. Calvin Masawa (thigh injury), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 15. John Kamau, 30. Anthony Kimani (shoulder injury)
Coach: Sanjin Alagic
Kariobangi Sharks: 1. Brian Bwire (GK), 2. Tom Teka, 26. Bonface Onyango, 6. Geoffrey Lemu (25. Samuel Olwande,-53), 5. Eric Juma-Captain (24. Daniel Sakari-53), 8. Patillah Omoto, 17. Shaphan Oyugi, 22. Julius Masaba , 10. Peter Lwasa (14. John Omondi-72), 20. Eric Kapaito (4. Alphonse Omija-90), 21. James Mazembe
Match Officials: Anthony Ogwayo (Center Ref), Caleb Amwayi (Match Comm), Caroline Kiles (AR1), Mike Maputi (AR2), Zachary Ashiraa (Reserve Ref)
Azizi Okaka fends the ball off James Mazembe of Kariobangi Sharks as the two met in a tenth round Premier League game on Sat 30 Jan 2021. Sharks won 2-1City Stars stopper on Sharks dangerman Eric Kapaito at Kasarani on Sat 30 Jan 2021 during a 10th round Premier League tie. Kapaito scored the winner as City Stars fell 2-1City Stars striker Ebrima Sanneh takes on a Kariobangi Sharks player at Kasarani on Sat 30 Jan 2021 during a 10th round Premier League tie. Sharks won 2-1
Entry of keeper Jacob Osano and left back Wesley Onguso Arasa are part of four changes effected to the 20-man squad named to face Posta Rangers in a round seven Premier League game set for Kasarani on Friday 8 January 2021 starting 3pm.
After missing out on the first six games into the Premier League season, Osano and Onguso have made it to the match day and are in search for their debut top flight games for Simba wa Nairobi.
Osano missed the initial games largely due to sickness and will now take up the place of teenage keeper Elvis Ochoro who has been acting as the understudy for Steve Njunge.
Onguso has been onboarded to contest a place against his former employers Rangers of overall team captain Calvin Masawa who suffered an ankle injury in training in the lead up to the game.
Till his injury setback, Masawa had made the squad for all the games into the season.
A third change sees the return of dependable forward Davis Agesa Amuyunzu sat out the last three games against Bidco United, Vihiga United and Wazito due to illness. He takes up the place of midfielder Charles Chale Otieno who was forced out due to a swollen arm.
The final change is on flyer Rodgers Okumu who returns after missing out the Wazito game. He takes up the place of John Kamau who featured in the last game as a substitute.
Ugandan defender Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa who was hoping for a place in the squad was left out after a muscle tear on his calf
Squad to face Posta Rangers FC
16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 10. Peter Opiyo, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 30. Anthony Kimani, 21. Oliver Maloba, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 12. Edwin Buliba, 18. Sven Yidah, 20. Timothy Ouma,22. Wycliffe Otieno, 24. Erick Ombija, 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 3. Charles Otieno (arm pain), 8. Calvin Masawa (ankle injury), 15. John Kamau, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)
Corona Virus. It’s the one thing that characterized Nairobi City Stars Super League season in 2020.
The novel pandemic leapt out the woods into our lives and before we could understand it, we were operating in a lockdown.
For a few months we all had to stay indoors, quarantined, and when we ventured outside under strict curfews, we had to be masked.
Despite having a stellar season, Nairobi City Stars was not spared by the virus, as, from mid-March, all footballing activities in the country froze.
It their fourth stab at promotion, Simba wa Nairobi had done all they needed to do and 28 rounds into a 38-game season, the team had scooped 64 points and carried a ten-point buffer over second placed Bidco United.
With a clear view of the premier league, the team look forward to that one game they would win to be declared promoted, and the 2019/20 super league champions.
But that day never came. Neither did the coronation.
For when the games finally resumed in November, some eight months later, there was no looking back. It was picking up from where the ball had stopped.
The year began with the chase for promotion and ended with five games into the top flight league.
Though curtailed near the last mile, City Stars season’s objective was duly met in spite of the pandemic.
To sum Simba wa Nairobi‘s year, here’s a blow by blow account of the 2020 year gone.
January
7th – Peter Opiyo, Ezekiel Odera, Azizi Okaka, Tedian Esilaba and keeper Jacob Osano join the City Stars stable
11th – Simba wa Nairobi starts second leg on a high with an unprecedented 1-0 win away to Shabana in Kisii. Stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla scored the lone goal as Jimmy Bageya was named MVP. Azizi Okaka made his debut for City Stars in the second half.
18th – Goals on either half by Oliver Maloba (named MVP) and the returning Ezekiel Odera handed Nairobi City Stars a 2-0 win over visiting Vihiga Bullets in a round 21 National Super League (NSL) tie played at Camp Toyoyo, Jericho
26th – A lone Davis Agesa lone striker, off Oliver Maloba’s cross, topped up with a late Levis Lovae Opiyo penalty save, confirmed a 1-0 over hosts Vihiga United in Mumias to end the month on a high. Levis was named MVP as his sibling Peter Opiyo made his debut.
City Stars vs Vihiga Bullets at Camp Toyoyo on Sat 18 Jan 2020. They won 2-0
February
2nd – City Stars wipe out Eric Gichimu’s first half goal to see off title challengers Bidco United 2-1 at Camp Toyoyo to complete a season double. Anthony Muki Kimani and Jimmy Bageya scored the goals. Agesa was named MVP
8th – A four game winning streak brought to a rude end after a shock 3-1 loss to Coast Stima at Camp Toyoyo. Rogers Okumu, Erick Ombija and Kassim Mohammed scored for the visitors as Shitu found a consolation for the hosts. Anthony Kimani was named MVP
29th – Two penalties by Peter Opiyo and Ezekiel Odera cancelled out another penalty by David Oluoch for City Stars to outwit Kenya Police 2-1 at Toyoyo to complete a season double. Opiyo was named MVP
March
8th – City Stars starts the month with a 2-1 win over AP Bomet in Kericho. Odera forced an own goal and scored a beauty in the early minutes of the game. Keeper Jacob Osano made his debut for suspended Levis Opiyo. For a second straight game Peter Opiyo was named MVP
14th – Lead striker Ebrima Sanneh comes of the bench to power home a fine late header for City Stars to take down a tough Nairobi Stima 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo in a round 28 clash. It confirmed yet another season double as Simba wa Nairobi hit the 64-point mark to shoot ten points clear. Shitu was named MVP.
The game was played behind closed doors following the announcement by Government of the first Corona Virus victim in the country the day before. The game turned out to be the last of the season as all sporting activities were suspended after that weekend
24th – Due to Corona Virus lockdown, players put on ‘work from home’ programme to the end of April
Ezekiel Odera vs AP Bomet in Kericho on Sun 8 Mar 2020
April – August
With no football in the foreseeable future due to Corona virus, City Stars players and staff recoiled to ambassadorship and caregiving roles at the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JFF) to partake in regular community service.
Distribution of food hampers to the vulnerable families in Kibera and Deep Sea in Parklands (April, May and June) and in #JengaJirani initiatives in July and August kept the players and team officials busy.
In the midst of all the activities, it was confirmed, on 1st May, that Nairobi City Stars – and Bidco United – were promoted once the Federation realized the Corona Virus pandemic was here to stay.
City Stars DM Charles Otieno Oduro doing distribution work in Kibera on Thur 16 Jul 2020 during the #JengaJirani drive
July
Keeper Levis Opiyo, defenders Kevin Okumu and Tedian Esilaba, midfielders David Gateri, Eric Ochieng and keeper Ronny Kagunzi all leave the club at expiry of their contracts.
Eric Ochieng, Noah Abich, Tedian Atuto, Levis Opiyo
August
7th – Teenage midfielder Timothy Babu Ouma from Laiser Hill Academy joined Simba wa Nairobi on a long term deal becoming the first off season signing. At the time of signing he was the reigning Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Rift Valley MVP.
19th – Offensive midfielder Rowland Babu Makati, 19, joined Nairobi City Stars on a long term deal from Vapor Sports, a club that signed him from local club Escalators of Gatina.
Rowland Makati with team coordinator Samson Otieno on his unveiling at City Stars on Tue 18 Aug 2020
September
1st – Defensive midfielder Ronney Kola Oyaro, 20, made a big leap from lower tier side Kenya School of Government (KSG) to sign a long term deal at City Stars.
3rd – Teenage keeper Elvis Ochieng Ochoro, 18, who spent his formative football years at Makadara Junior League, joined from regional league side Hakati Sportiff.
4th – Striker Erick Ombija, 25, joined Nairobi City Stars from champions Gor Mahia on a two-year deal to becoming the fifth arrival in the current transfer window
7th – Defensive mid Sven Yidah arrives from Kariobangi Sharks on a two-year deal
28th – After close to seven months of no football, team starts low key training at Hope Centre and Camp Toyoyo
Sven Yidah with Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir during his unveiling on Mon 7 Sep 2020
October
8th – Head coach Sanjin arrives back in the country accompanied by assistant coach Nihad Nalbantic to prepare for the Premier League season. Team shifts training to Ligi Ndogo
15th – Dead ball specialist Noah Abich officially announces his retirement as a footballer. He joins City Stars bench as an apprentice assistant coach.
24th – Ligi Ndogo offers first preseason test at their backyard. They fall fall 4-0 from goals from Ebrima Sanneh, a brace from Davis Agesa and Charles Otieno
31st – First major preseason friendly against Kariobangi Sharks ends even at 1-1 at Utalii grounds. New signing Rogers Okumu scores first before Peter Lwasa equalized. Striker Ebrima Sanneh suffered a long term injury in the game.
Timothy Ouma of City Stars challenging for the ball against a Sharks player during a friendly at Utalii on Sat 31 Oct 2020
November
2nd – Left back Herit Mungai completes his arrival to City Stars — the last signing – after impressing in the Sharks friendly. His last station was Coast Stima
7th – Hosts Bidco rallied to hold City Stars at Thika Stadium in a preseason friendly. Anthony Muki Kimani’s first half penalty was cancelled out by Anthony Gathu’s long range shot in the next half
11th – Mixed results for City Stars at PSC as the main team goes down 1-0 to KCB, while the second team romps 6-0 past Kibera Select Interbase. Eric Ombija missed a penalty but still came out with a brace as Ezekiel Odera registered a treble.
Davis Agesa on the ball as Peter Opiyo looks on during a friendly against Mt. Kenya United on Sat 14 Nov 2020. It ended 1-1
13th – New signings Ronny Kola and Rowland Makati head to NSL side Nairobi Stima for half-season loan
15th – Tevin Opondo levels matters in the second half to cancel out a first half goal by Erick Ombija as second tier side Mt. Kenya holds City Stars to a 1-1 draw at Dagoretti High School.
21st – Mixed results posted at the Jamhuri Showground as City Stars falls 1-0 to Posta Rangers before letting go a 1-0 half time lead to tie Gor Mahia 1-1
29th – Team registers a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar in their Premier League opener at the Narok Stadium. It was a historic clash on many fronts as 12 players making their Premier League debut for City Stars on the day, head coach Sanjin Alagic made his top flight bow, and was the first top tier game for City Stars since 19 November 2016. Salim Abdalla was named MVP as keeper Steve Njunge – who saved a penalty – and Muki made it to the team of the week. Maloba and Agesa made the reserve team
Oliver Maloba celebrates his goal, the second for City Stars in the season opening 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar FC at Narok Stadium on Sun 29 Nov 2020
December
4th – A lone goal in the 43rd minute by Henry Onyango proved the difference as KCB registered a 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars in a second round Premier League game played at Kasarani’s outer pitch on Friday 4th December 2020.
On the morning of the game, City Stars family went into mourning following the shock demise of long serving TM Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo
11th – Simba wa Nairobi hit visiting Bandari FC 2-0 in a third round Premier League game played at Kasarani to bounce back to winning ways. Njunge and Shitu made the team of the week
Skipper Anthony Muki Kimani, off an assist by Jimmy Bageya, and an own goal by the opposite skipper Bernard Odhiambo off a Davis Agesa cross ball, in the 60th and 68th minutes respectively, delivered the second win in three games. Njunge was named MVP
12th – On loan Rowland Makati came off the bench to score and provide assist to help Nairobi Stima salvage a 2-2 draw against promoted Soy United in Thika in an NSL season opener
17th – Nairobi City Stars posted their first draw of the season after holding hosts Bidco United 0-0 in a fourth round FKF Premier League game played at Utalii grounds. It was a third clean sheet for the team
Keeper Steve Njunge gets the thumps up after saving a penalty against Nzoia Sugar in a season opener on Sun 29 Nov 2020 in Narok. He was named MVP on Fri 11 Dec 2020 after a 2-0 win over Bandari
19th – TM Pudo laid to rest in Yala, Nyanza
Full game for Ronney Kola and second half appearance for Rowland Makati as Nairobi Stima draws AP Bomet in the NSL in Bomet
21st – Amidst pomp and color, the club fetes all its players and technical bench from the past season for promoting the club. Muki named 2019/20 season MVP
23rd – City Stars forced to come from behind to tie Vihiga United 1-1 at Utalii grounds in a fifth Premier League clash. Sven Yidah’s first goal, a header, for the club in the 48th minute cancelled out David Simiyu’s 43rd minute header. Sven was named in the league’s team of the week
28th – Team resumes training after four days of a short holiday to prepare for premier league resumption in early January
The two sides earned promotion at the close of last season – City Stars as champions while Vihiga United came through as playoff winners having ended the regular season placed third.
Though there are no top flights duels, the two sides have dueled four times in the second tier National Super League (NSL); twice in 2017 and as many times in the 2019/20 season.
The 2017 season saw Vihiga United top the NSL to earn promotion where they lasted a season before revisiting the same stage in 2018/19.
City Stars has hosted Vihiga United twice; in May 2017 and in September 2019 at Camp Toyoyo and Hope Centre. On both occasions it ended 0-0.
The other games; played at Mumias Complex in Nov 2017 and Jan 2019 ended in a 2-0 win for Vihiga and 1-0 win for City Stars, respectively.
Who wins the upcoming one that many have termed as an ‘NSL derby’? Keep tabs with our social media pages for live updates on the game.
