Both sides arrived into the clash in contrasting forms with City Stars brimming with confidence following convincing wins over Kenya Police FC and Wazito while Bidco were yet to get off the mark after draws against Vihiga Bullets and Ulinzi Stars coupled with a defeat to Bandari.The match had a 15 minute delay after the match officials accused City Stars of failing to adhere to the pre match jersey color code as at kick off both teams were in blue shorts. Simba wa Nairobi were forced to revert to funny looking shorts for the game to kick off.The two struggled to assert dominance in the game as the hotly contested midfield battle set the tone for quick turnovers in possession as neither team threatened the other’s goal mouth.Bidco however edged City Stars in possession with Nicholas Kipkirui being shown a yellow card in the 27th minute for a foul on Peter Nzuki with Anthony Muki Kimani also getting into the book for a flailing arm on Collins Neto.The best chance of the half fell to Jacob Onyango who should have done better with his shot that went wide as he had acres of space and time to pick his spot.City Stars came close in the 33rd minute when marauding full back Kevin Okumu whipped in a devilish cross that was headed wide by Ezekiel Odera as both teams went into the half time break locked in a barren draw.Unimpressed with the lethargic display in the opening half Bidco head coach Anthony Akhulia withdrew David Gateri for Batts Awita as he aimed to burry the few chances they created.Simba Wa Nairobi fries BidcoNCS takes maximum points in Thika StadiumFULLTIME SCORESNCS 2️⃣ – 0️⃣ BID#𝕊𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕒𝕎𝕒ℕ𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕚 pic.twitter.com/5CBXSWPD6C— Official Nairobi City Stars Fc (@NrbCityStars) October 24, 2021 City Stars however broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Timothy Ouma who has been enjoying some purple patch delivered a freekick that pingponged in the Bidco box before falling to Kipkirui who made no mistake, firing the ball into the roof of the net from close range .Muyoti also dipped into his bench, bringing in Rodgers Okumu and Eric Ombija for Davis Agesa and Ezekiel Odera respectively.Akhulia also responded by resting Zachary Gathu and Collins Neto for Stephen Waruru and Lameck Owino.With wind in their sails Simba wa Nairobi wasted no time in doubling their lead as Kipkirui this time turned provider playing a pass across the face of goal that found Ombija lurking to tap home with the simplest of finishes.Ombija and Kipkirui were showcasing telepathic understanding probably fostered during their Gor Mahia days as the former found the latter but the former Zoo FC forward could not just apply the finishing touch as he skied his tap in from the six yard box.Akhulia again sought answers from the bench as they brought in Stephen Ombukui and Henry Omolo for Jacob Onyango and David Kalama while Muyoti countered by throwing in Mike Madoya and Elvis Noor for Kimani and Timothy Ouma as City Stars held on for the win.
