Simba wa Nairobi took down newbies Vihiga Bullets 4-0 on Saturday 6 November 2021 in Ruraka during a matchday 6 FKF Premier League clash to move into the second spot in the 18-team table.
The 4-0 rout, in Simba wa Nairobi’s first-ever meeting against Vhiga Bullets in the top-flight, saw City Stars match two similar winning scorelines – the best ever -, that was set on 11 Feb 2006 (vs Kisumu Telecom at Nyayo Stadium) and 22 Oct 2011 (vs Congo United at Hope Centre).
A Salim Shitu Abdalla opener in the 10th minute was followed up by second-half goals by Ezekiel Omukofu Odera, field skipper Anthony Muki Kimani – later named game MVP – and Vincent Otieno Okoth aka Jamaica – his maiden Premiership goal -, in the 62nd, 68th, and 74th minutes, in that order.
Shitu, in City Stars lineup after skipping three games, got to the end of a Muki freekick to tap in at the far post for his first of the season.
For the second, switch play by teenage sensation Timothy Babu Ouma from the right to the box found Davis Agesa who set the ball on the path of Odera who then lobbed keeper Richard Aimo to double matters.
The third came when substitute John Kamau worked his way to the box with a one-two with another substitute Ebrima Sanneh – who earned his first game of the season -, then got it to Muki who then toed the ball to the far post. It echoed off the basement before rolling in.
The fourth was a marvel as Peter Opiyo, in for Oliver Maloba, squared a fine long pass to Jamaica who chested down the ball before lobbing an advancing Aimo. The ball cooly rolled home for Jamaica to earn his first top-flight goal, and City Stars fourth on the evening.
In spite of the heavy win, Vihiga Bullets were a hard nut to crack especially inside the first 60 minutes.
After a cross from right-back Kevin Chumsy Okumu was cleared in the fifth minute, Bullets, under coach Evans Mafuta, had a response the next minute but a freekick their way went wide.
In the 29th minute, Bullets had a set-piece atop the box. Nicholas Masamba had a go at it. It was dangerous but it weaved just wide.
Seven minutes into the second half, Michael Isabwa forced a corner. His delivery was good but Jessey Kajuba’s connection – a header – ended up with keeper Jacob Osano.
Two minutes earlier Osano had been forced to save another Kajuba effort; a long dangerous shot.
Earlier in the 40th minute of the first half, City Stars could have topped up on Shitu’s goal had Oliver Maloba, earning a first start this season, been precise with a loose ball presented to him by Aimo. He shot wide from outside the box with an empty net at his mercy.
Four minutes after that near-miss, Muki made a goal attempt with a rasping shot off the box. It sailed just above the bar.
After registering the fourth goal, City Stars went for a historic fifth but a Pinchez shot for the far post deep in added time just whisked wide.
With the latest win, the fourth in six games this season, City Stars shoots to the second spot with 13-points, one-off record champion Gor Mahia.
Simba wa Nairobi will take a 13-day break necessitated due to two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by Kenya against Uganda and Rwanda.
Thereafter, the team will be away for a round seven clash to Bandari at Mbaraki on Sunday 21 November 2021.
Lineups
Nairobi City Stars: 16. Jacob Osano, 19. Kevin Okumu, 4. Salim Abdalla, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 18. Sven Yidah, 30. Anthony Kimani-captain (5. Mike Madoya-76), 20. Timothy Ouma (Peter Opiyo-66), 21. Oliver Maloba (John Kamau-66), 11. Davis Agesa (9. Vincent Otieno Okoth-72), 32. Ezekiel Odera (29. Ebrima Sanneh-66)
Unused subs: 23. Stephen Njunge, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo
Out: 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 6. Ronney Kola, 24. Erick Ombija, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (all injured), 14. Rowland Makati, 1. Elvis Ochoro, 27. Lennox Ogutu, 28. Herit Mungai, 3. Charles Otieno
Coach: Nicholas Muyoti
Vihiga Bullets: 1. Richard Aimo, 23. Nikson Kalwale, 18. Philip Mwangale, 15. Mophat Kovelo, 16. Jackson Saleh, 22. Lucas Waitere-captain, 24. Jessey Kajuba (14. Kevin Sagida-76), 5.Nicholas Masamba (17. Vincent Odongo-76), 11. Lucy Musyoki (12. Amos Kigadi-57), 7. Michael Isabwa (9. Brayan Sifuna-76), 13. Rashid Kyamba (6. Martin Okumu-76)
Unused subs: 25. Michael Matasio (GK), 20. Lonny Amadava, 4. Sabulon Cheloti, 8. Patrick Okulo
Coach: Evans Mafuta
