Muyoti discusses how Nairobi United beat Gor Mahia FC to FKF Cup glory

Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti has explained how he masterminded the downfall of Gor Mahia during the final of FKF Cup at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday.

The newly promoted Football Kenya Federation (FKF) outfit left many in shock after they beat favourites Gor Mahia 2-1 to lift the domestic Cup for the first-time in their history.

Their historic cup victory also secured them a place in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, marking a sensational rise from second-tier football to the continental stage in just one season.

Gor Mahia found themselves trailing as early as the sixth minute when Frank Ouya scored, but they levelled matters in the 38th minute through Ben Stanley Omondi.

However, a superb effort from Enock Mashaka gave United a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute, and despite Gor Mahia getting a chance to score from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed dived the right way to deny Alpha Onyango.

“We had to make sure Gor did not dictate play in midfield. We focused on disrupting their rhythm and cutting off Omala’s ball supply. He barely had any service, and that was exactly our plan,” Muyoti explained as quoted by Mozzart Sports.

“Getting an early goal was a big advantage, but after that, my boys slowed down a bit. At halftime, we urged them to go out and express themselves, and they did just that. We also had to defend well because Gor Mahia are always dangerous in attack.”

Muyoti added: “When I joined here, I emphasised the importance of belief and a winning mentality. In the second leg of the NSL season, we only lost twice. Those were learning moments. After every match, we would review our performance and correct our mistakes.”

With promotion to the FKF Premier League and a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup now confirmed, Nairobi United’s double-winning season is one for the history books. They now join FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, who will represent the country in the CAF Champions League, as Kenya’s flagbearers on the continental stage.

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