Nairobi United edge Mara Sugar on penalties in the last four to reach FKF Cup fina

Isaac Omweri of Nairobi United in a tussle with Vincent Mulama of Mara Sugar during the FKF Cup semifinals at Dandora stadium on Sunday/HANDOUT

Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti was over the moon after his charges sealed a spot in the finals of the Football Kenya Federation (Cup) following a 3-1 win on penalties over Mara Sugar in the hotly contested semifinals at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.

The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, ended in a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time, with its resolution entrusted to the lottery of penalties.

The ensuing penalty shootout was a heart-stopping spectacle, a test of nerves that Nairobi United ultimately conquered. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric, as the two teams vied for a coveted spot in the finals.

Nairobi United, with their eyes set on glory, showcased a blend of skill, strategy, and resilience. Michael Karamor's 55th-minute goal, a flash of brilliance that sent a ripple of joy through the stands, was a testament to Nairobi United's burgeoning potential. But Mara Sugar, equally determined, clawed their way back, equalising just minutes later.

Coach Muyoti, his face a portrait of ecstatic relief, spoke of the team's unwavering determination. His words painted a vivid picture of their journey: from initial scepticism to the conquering of formidable opponents.

"We are excited to have reached the final, and we are looking forward to winning the trophy. We are determined to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup next season," he said.

"We gave our best shot against a very tough opponent. The match could have gone either way, but we held our cool under the mounting pressure to prevail over our opponents. Kudos to the boys for pushing above their weight. They deserve a pat on the back for a job well done," he said.

There is a lot of excitement as Nairobi United gets ready to play Gor Mahia in the championship match. The prospect of lifting the trophy not only symbolises a triumph for the team but also embodies the hopes and dreams of their supporters.

Muyoti said the journey to this point has been marked by perseverance, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in their potential. The final match promises to be a culmination of their efforts, a chance to etch their names in the annals of Kenyan football history.

"As we prepared for this tournament, no one hardly believed we would come this far. We have beaten KCB and Tusker, who are Gor Mahia's equals in the Kenyan Premier League. So, I don't see why we can't beat Gor to lift the trophy," he said.

On the opposing side, Mara Sugar's head coach Edward Manoah grappled with the bitter-sweet taste of missed opportunity. His team had fought valiantly, yet the spectre of regret loomed large.

"It's a dream we could have easily achieved, but all that is now water under the bridge. We gave a good account of ourselves in the match, but I feel we could have avoided the goal we conceded," Manoah said. 

"It's costly to make some blunders in a match of this magnitude because recovering from mistakes becomes difficult," he added. Despite the disappointment, Manoah's focus swiftly shifted towards the future. "All in all, our focus now shifts to preparing for the new season and, hopefully, we shall move a step further in our next campaign," he said.