NAIROBI, Kenya – Premier League newcomers Nairobi United emphatically returned to winning form on Tuesday, securing a 3-1 victory over a struggling Bandari FC in a rescheduled fixture at Dandora Stadium. The result, confirmed by multiple sports outlets, saw the hosts climb the league table while compounding the troubles for the Mombasa-based Dockers, who remain in search of consistent form under their new Moroccan head coach.

The match began brightly for Nairobi United, with Prince Buregeya finding the net just six minutes into the contest on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, giving the home side an early advantage. However, Bandari FC, determined to reverse their fortunes, found an equaliser in the 38th minute through midfielder Geofrey Ojunga, leaving the match evenly poised at halftime.

The second half saw a more dominant performance from Nicholas Muyoti’s side. A crucial moment arrived in the 56th minute when Nairobi United were awarded a penalty, which Enock Machaka calmly converted to restore their lead. Substitute Shami Mwinyi sealed the victory for the “Naibois” with a third goal in the 85th minute, ensuring all three points remained in the capital. The win was a significant rebound for Nairobi United, who had suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sofapaka just days earlier.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

This victory continues a remarkable chapter for Nairobi United. The club, which was founded in 2015 as Balaji EPZ FC, has experienced a meteoric rise through Kenya's football tiers. After rebranding in 2022, the team secured promotion to the top flight in May 2025. Their fairytale 2024/25 season also saw them win the domestic FKF Cup, earning a historic spot in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup. Their impressive run in the continental tournament, where they reached the group stages, has been a major talking point in Kenyan football.

The club's ascent has been significantly bolstered by the backing of the Sakaja Foundation, which acquired the team in September 2024, professionalising its operations and providing stability. Under the guidance of veteran coach Nicholas Muyoti, a former Kenya national team captain, the team has shown tactical discipline and resilience. Following the win against Bandari, Muyoti praised his players for their confident and clinical performance, noting that tactical adjustments made after their previous loss had paid off.

Bandari's Search for Stability

In stark contrast, the result extends a difficult period for Bandari FC. The Dockers' only victory this season was a 3-1 win against Murang'a Seal on October 6, 2025. The club appointed Moroccan coach Mohammed Borji on October 6, 2025, after dismissing former coach Ken Odhiambo following a winless start to the season. Borji, a former striker with a UEFA B license, was tasked with reviving the team's fortunes but has yet to secure his first league win.

The loss leaves Bandari languishing in the lower half of the league table, a position that belies the club's financial backing and ambitions. The team has struggled for consistency, with recent results including goalless draws against AFC Leopards and Mara Sugar FC. Coach Borji has reportedly taken a firm stance to enforce discipline, but turning the team's performance around on the pitch remains a significant challenge. The pressure is mounting for the Mombasa-based side to find a winning formula and climb away from the relegation zone.

As Nairobi United looks ahead to build on their impressive start to life in the top flight, Bandari FC must urgently address their persistent struggles to avoid a protracted battle for survival in the Kenya Premier League.