Nairobi City Stars

Tag: Elvis Ojiambo

  • Maloba the hero as 10-man City Stars stops Migori

    Maloba the hero as 10-man City Stars stops Migori

    Simba wa Nairobi roared once again to stay unbeaten into the new season after coming from behind to see off Migori Youth 2-1 at Camp Toyoyo, Jericho during a match 12 game on Saturday 2 November 2019.

    City Stars were down 1-0 after just 14 minutes when Migori’s lead striker Clinton Okoth pounced on a ball following a defensive mix up to slam home at the far post – his eight goal of the season – past a stranded Levis Opiyo in goal.

    It got worse for City Stars six minutes later after conceding the goal as skipper Anthony Muki Kimani the midfield engine was slapped with a straight red card after a reckless challenge on a Migori’s Robert Ouma.

    Down to ten men, it looked all lost for City Stars who are unbeaten in the NSL since May 2019.

    A forced substitution minutes later saw the introduction of former Kibera Black Stars playmaker Elvis Noor Ojiambo for striker Vincent ‘Jamaica’ Otieno who was sacrificed for the game.

    Stabilization of the midfield was immediate and in the 38th City Stars were level after left back Wesley Onguso whipped in a free kick that striker Davis Agesa flicked in.

    It was Even-Steven into the break and to the closing minutes of the game when substitute Oliver Maloba rammed home the winning goal after getting to the end of a free-flowing move in the 86th minute.

    With the win, City Stars moved to the 32-point mark after 12 rounds to open a nine-point gap over Migori who stagnate at fourth with 23 points.

    Next up for the boys from Kawangware is FC Talanta at Camp Toyoyo on Friday 8 November 2019.

    Lineups

    Nairobi City Stars: 23. Levis Opiyo, 5. Wesley Onguso, 4. Salim Abdalla, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 28. Kevin Okumu, 3. Charles Otieno, 30. Antony Kimani (Captain), 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, 13. Eric Ochieng, 24. Cornelius Mwangi

    Coach: Sanjin Alagic

    Migori Youth: 13. Gedion Ogineno, 18. Siko Samuel, 2. Nnicholas Song, 16. Paul Enzo, 4. Alfred Odiwuor, 30. Robert Ouma, 12. Clifford Otieno (Captain), 10. Michael Bosio, 14. Anthony Abwao, 20. Elisha Odhiambo, 7. Clinton Okoth

    Subs: 26. Victor Kamungo, 28. Ronald Odhiambo, 6. Benedict Ochieng, 21. Carlos Orata, 5. Dennis Kiese, 25. Mark Osewe, 9. Edward Odhiambo

    Coach: Shem Imem

  • Point at Hope against Vihiga United

    Point at Hope against Vihiga United

    Nairobi City Stars were held to a barren draw by visiting Vihiga United in a National Super League (NSL) match day three clash played at the Hope Centre, Kawangware on Friday 13 September, 2019 starting 3pm.

    City Stars went to the game hoping to stretch their two-game winning start into the season following wins over Shabana (2-0) at the same venue and against Vihiga Bullets (2-1) in Kakamega, as Vihiga paraded a win-draw streak.

    But it was not to be as Vihiga United, relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, forced the hosts to share spoils in mustering the draw.

    The visitors had the hosts on the ropes in the first half and could have taken the lead had Alex Waiswa’s shot in the 36th minute not ricocheted off the base of the upright.

    Substitute and crowd favorite Oliver Maloba changed the tempo of the game at the start of the second half soon after being introduced for Elvis Ojiambo and could have easily sent the hosts ahead within minutes had he not miscued a perfect cross from the left by Jimmy Bageya. His time shot whiskered above the horizontal.

    Mid way through the first half a mis-kick from the City Stars back line almost gifted Vihiga with the winning chance but Waiswa’s blockbuster echoed off the cross bar.

    It settled at 0-0 leaving City Stars to maintain third place with seven points as Vihiga moved to eighth place with five points.

    “Against such a strong opponent we will take in a point,” said City Stars head coach Sanjin Alagic after the game

    Next up for City Stars is an away trip to Bidco United on Wednesday 18 September, 2019.

    Lineups

    Nairobi City Stars: 23. Levis Opiyo, 8. Calvin Masawa (Captain), 4. Salim Abdala, 24. Cornelius Mwangi, 17. Noah Abich (28. Kevin Okumu), 3. Charles Otieno, 2. Elvis Ojiambo (21. Oliver Maloba), 30. Anthony Kimani, 11. Davis Agesa, 26. Ebrima Sanneh (16. Vincent Otieno), 26. Jimmy Bageya

    Subs: 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 25. David Gateri, 15. Peter Wainaina

    Yellow; Charles Otieno

    Coach: Sanjin Alagic

    Vihiga United: 30. Morgan Amboka, 6. Abisalom Onyango, 4. Michael Odongo, 15. Mark Akola, 13. Mophat Liuva, 33. Victor Omondi, 8. Patrick Okulo, 17. Lawrence Luvanda, 40. Dennis Wafula, 36. Alex Waiswa, 21. Junior Adeyefa

    Subs: 50. Michael Matasio, 20. Smith Ouko, 35. Kevin Omondi, 16. Alex Imbusia, 10. Hillary Otieno, 24. Lesley Owino, 19. Michael Isabwa

    Coach: Sammy Okoth

  • Subs Jamaica, Maloba turn it around against Vihiga Bullets

    Subs Jamaica, Maloba turn it around against Vihiga Bullets

    Visiting Nairobi City Stars left it late to outwit hosts Vihiga Bullets 2-1 in a second round National Super League (NSL) tie played on Monday 9 September, 2019 at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega starting 10am. Two second half goals by Gambian striker Ebrima Sanneh delivered the win.

    It was a second bite of the cherry for City Stars as the game was initially scheduled for the Sunday before but aborted in the 75th minute following a heavy downpour that flooded the surface. At the point of the call-off City Stars led 1-0 courtesy of Sanneh’s lone goal.

    In the Monday repeat City Stars trailed the game 1-0 at half time after Bullets took the lead in the 32nd minute via a perfect free kick from Oscar Karuli that went over the wall and way past the reach of keeper Elvis Lovae Opiyo.

    The game looked locked but a change in tact by Coach Sanjin Alagic saw the introduction of former Hakati Sportiff striker Vincent Otieno for Davis Agesa and Oliver Maloba for Elvis Ojiambo turn out to be the perfect twist in the game.

    At the hour-mark Anthony Muki Kimani floated a perfect corner that header specialist Sanneh buried home to level matters.

    With less than ten minutes Maloba and Jamaica’s effect came to play.  The two were too much for the Bullets backline, and as they got Sanneh another opportunity – and he tapped in the winning goal.

    Maloba cut in from the right wing past Bullets defenders before offering a layup for Jamaica who then returned the favor with quickness for Maloba to get the ball to Sanneh’s feet for the winner.

    “Today’s game was a great victory for us, we have lions and not players. I am very proud to be their coach. We played exceptionally throughout the game.” said an elated Sanjin after the game

    The latest win comes on the back of the season opening 2-0 win over Shabana at Hope Centre, Kawangware last weekend.

    Next up for City Stars is a home game at Hope Centre against relegated Vihiga United at the Hope Centre, Kawangware on Fri 13 September 2019

    Lineups:

    Vihiga Bullets:21. Elix Otieno, 23. Oscar Masiga, 15. Sylvester Owino, 6. Kelly Alubale, 26. David Kavaji, 22. Kevin Muhanji, 12. Christine Zigah, 10. John Khanda, 20. Edwin Wamalwa, 11. Timothy Lumasai, 9. Jackson Oketch

    Subs: 32. Ali Kesi, 7. John Maina, 14. Emmanuel Mwakwingi, 25. Okello Baraza, 13. Francis Ambani, 8. Kelvin Mwavali, 4. Joseph Otieno

    Coach: Edward Manoah

    Nairobi City Stars: 23. Levis Opiyo, 8. Calvins Masawa (Captain), 4. Salim Abdalla, 24. Cornelius Mwangi, 28. Kevin Okumu (17. Noah Abich), 3. Charles Otieno, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (21. Oliver Maloba ), 30. Anthony Muki Kimani, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 11. Davis Agesa (16. Vincent Otieno), 26. Ebrima Sanneh

    Unused Subs: 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 15. Peter Wainaina, 10. Nahashon Thiongo, 22. Wycliffe Otieno

    Yellow cards; Cornelius Mwangi, Anthony Kimani

    Coach: Sanjin Alagic

  • Winning start for City Stars

    Winning start for City Stars

    Nairobi City Stars had a dream start to the 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) season after dispatching visiting Shabana 2-0 at the Hope Centre, Kawangware on Sunday 1 September, 2019. 

    A goal on either half by Ebrimah Sanneh and Jimmy Bageya handed new coach Sanjin Alagic from Sarajevo, Bosnia the perfect start. 

    Sanneh started it all with a traditional header after getting to the end of a free kick from Anthony Muki Kimani for the opening goal in the eighth minute. Jimmy Bageya was felled from 25 yards out for the free kick.

    Ten minutes into the second half Bageya, playing on the left wing, got to the end of a free flowing move from Muki to double the lead. 

    Davis Agesa from the edge of the box squared a pass to Muki who then cut in for Bageya to finish the job with a one timed rising shot past the Shabana keeper.

    Sanjin’s lineup for the day saw eight of 12 new players feature in the game, six of them making their debut. Keeper Levis Lovae Opiyo, a former Thika United, Posta Rangers, Western Stima and Mathare United keeper started in goal. 

    Salim Shitu Abdalla and Cornelius Mwangi, in from AFC Leopards and Modern Coast Rangers, respectively, were the centre back pairing as Eric Cantona Ochieng, a former Red Berets, Bandari, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia and Wazito player took his place as defensive midfielder. 

    Former JMJ Academy player Nahashon Thiosh Thiong’o who was signed from Mt. Kenya United started on the right wing but paved way for another new signing Elvis Elvo Ojiambo from Kibera Blackstars at the onset of the second half due to an ankle injury. 

    Returning Anthony Muki Kimani earned a start, for his first game for City Stars in ten years, alongside Jimmy Bageya who last featured for the side in early 2018. 

    Muki left City Stars at the end of 2009 to join Sofapaka but made a grand return to the team after a two year layoff since leaving Bandari in 2017. 

    Stephen Mweni, signed from Modern Coast Rangers, also made his debut after coming on as a late second half substitute for Muki. 

    Long serving Calvins Masawa, with the club since 2011, skippered the team while playing as left fullback. Kevin Chumsy Okumu played on the opposite side as Davis Agesa started behind striker Ebrima Sanneh. 

    Starting lineup

    23. Levis Opiyo, 8. Calvins Masawa (Captain), 4. Salim Abdala, 24. Cornelius Mwangi, 28. Kevin Okumu, 13. Eric Ochieng, 30. Anthony Kimani (18. Stephen Mweni), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 10. Nahashon Thiong’o (2. Elvis Ojiambo), 11. Davis Agesa (7. Heritier Luvualu), 26. Ebrima Sanneh 

    Unused subs; 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 17. Noah Abich, 5. Wesley Onguso, 6. Austin Ochieng

    Yellow cards; Levis Opiyo, Ebrima Sanneh, Jimmy Bageya, Elvis Ojiambo

    Goals; Ebrima Sanneh – 8th minute (Anthony Kimani assists – free kick), Jimmy Bageya – 53rd (Assist Anthony Kimani)

    MVP: Ebrima Sanneh

  • Nairobi City Stars sign twelve new players ahead of the 2019 season

    Nairobi City Stars sign twelve new players ahead of the 2019 season

    Nairobi City Stars have signed nine new players and welcomed back another three ahead of the 2019 National Super League season which officially kicks off next month.

    The players joining the Kawangware based side includes former Thika United and Mathare United goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, left back Wesley Onguso from Posta Rangers, centre back Salim ‘Shitu’ Abdala from AFC Leopards, defender Cornelius Mwangi from Modern Coast Rangers, winger Nashon Thiong’o from Mt. Kenya United,  Defensive midfielder Elvis Ojiambo  from Kibera Black Stars and  Erick Ochieng from Wazito. 

    Others include budding teenage striker Vincent ‘Jamaica’ Otieno from Hakati Sportiff, Wycliffe Otieno who once featured for Kariobangi Sharks as well as the trio of Stephen Mueni from Modern Coast Rangers, Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani and Jimmy Bageya who are all returning to the club. 

    The players, a mix of fresh talent and seasoned players are expected to give a new lease of life to the team as the new season starts in September this year. 

    The newcomers join the 15 retained from last season who include; keepers Ronny Kagunzi and Vincent Khatili, defenders Edwin Buliba, Kevin Okumu, Calvins Masawa, Noah Abich, Victor Okulu and Augustine Ochieng, midfielders Oliver Maloba, Peter Wainaina, Charles Otieno, David Gateri and Heritier Luvualu, strikers Ebrima Sanneh from Gambia and Davis Agesa. 

    The club, acquired by the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) earlier in the year, is now focusing on a top finish in the second tier  to enable them earn promotion to the Kenyan Premier League next season for a return to the top tier since being relegated at the close of the 2016 season. 

    “The new players are expected to bring renewed energy and inertia to the team to enable them finish in a good position. With the new players, we are confident we will greatly improve our performance from last season as we eye a return to the Premier League next season,” said the club’s Chair Jonathan Jackson during a team meet-up. 

    Adding his voice during a team’s luncheon, the club’s CEO Patrick Korir said;

    “Most of the new and returning players have had weeks to join- in with the players retained from last season during the last six weeks of preseason. We expect that lessons picked along the way and during friendly games played will give the team the right momentum into the season.”

    Nairobi City Stars will host powerhouse Shabana at the Hope Centre on Sunday 1 September, 2019 starting 3pm in their 2019/2020 season opener. 

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