Late Nassi strike punishes wasteful Nairobi United in narrow Wydad defeat

The NaiBois started brightly and were the more threatening side in the opening half, creating clearer scoring opportunities. Defender Shami Mwinyi was twice played clean through on goal but failed to make the most of either chance, hesitating on the first occasion before opting to pass rather than shoot on the second. Owino later tested the Wydad goalkeeper with a powerful long-range effort, while Danacn Omalla’s follow-up from a rebound was ruled offside.

Wydad, meanwhile, offered only sporadic threats in the first half, with Hakim Ziyech firing wide from the edge of the box. Nairobi United remained competitive throughout, aided by goalkeeper Kevin Odour, who produced a crucial save in the closing minutes of the half before quickly launching a counterattack that nearly paid dividends, only for Benson Omalla to fail to convert from close range.

After the break, head coach Salim Ali freshened his side by introducing Titus Ssematimba, Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Charles Waibi. The substitutions injected energy into the midfield and allowed Nairobi United to dominate long spells of possession, pinning Wydad deep in their own half. However, despite the increased control and pressure, the decisive breakthrough continued to elude them.

Against the run of play, Wydad struck late when substitute Walid Nassi broke through in the 89th minute, rounded Odour and calmly slotted home the winner.

The situation worsened for Nairobi United moments later as defender Steve Biko was shown a straight red card in the 91st minute for obstructing a clear goal-scoring opportunity.