NAIROBI, Kenya – Gor Mahia’s celebrations for a record-extending 22nd Kenyan Premier League title were slightly dampened on Sunday after Nairobi United spoiled the party with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at a packed Nyayo National Stadium.
The newly crowned champions had hoped to conclude their successful 2025/26 campaign with a victory in front of their supporters, but Enock Machaka’s first-half strike handed Nairobi United all three points in the season finale.
Despite the defeat, K’Ogalo remained firmly atop the standings with 69 points, having already secured the title a week earlier following AFC Leopards’ loss to APS Bomet.
The atmosphere at Nyayo was festive as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate another milestone in the club’s illustrious history. Before kickoff, Nairobi United paid tribute to the champions with a guard of honour, but once the match got underway, the visitors showed little intention of playing the role of spectators.
Nairobi United looked dangerous from the opening exchanges and nearly broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Paul Ochuoga delivered a teasing cross into the box, only for Ebenezer Assifuah to miss the connection.
The visitors continued to threaten and were eventually rewarded in the 26th minute. Kevin Otiende initiated a well-worked attacking move before finding Duncan Omalla, whose superb volleyed cross located Machaka inside the area. The forward rose highest to power home a header and silence the home crowd.
Gor Mahia responded after the break with increased urgency, dominating possession and pushing for an equaliser. However, Nairobi United’s disciplined defensive display frustrated the champions throughout the second half, ensuring the visitors left Nyayo with a memorable victory.
The result capped an outstanding debut top-flight season for Nairobi United, who finished fourth on 53 points and established themselves as one of the league’s biggest success stories.
Kariobangi Sharks Relegated Despite Six-Goal Victory
Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks suffered one of the most painful outcomes of the final day after being relegated despite recording a commanding 6-0 victory over already-demoted Sofapaka.
The Sharks needed favourable results elsewhere to survive, but victories for Mathare United and Ulinzi Stars sealed their fate. Mathare edged Bandari 1-0, while Ulinzi secured a similar victory over Posta Rangers, leaving both clubs on 41 points and safely above the relegation zone.
Kariobangi Sharks finished 16th with 38 points and will now prepare for life outside the top flight.
AFC Leopards End Campaign With Defeat
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards closed their campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to relegated Bidco United at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Although Ingwe ultimately fell short in the title race, the club can take positives from a campaign that saw them remain competitive for much of the season before Gor Mahia eventually pulled away to secure another league crown.
As the curtain falls on the 2025/26 season, Gor Mahia once again stand at the summit of Kenyan football, while Nairobi United’s remarkable rise and Kariobangi Sharks’ dramatic relegation provide some of the lasting storylines from a memorable campaign.
