After patiently waiting on the sidelines, Kenyan defender Nabi Kibunguchy finally made his Minnesota United debut after 13 months and savoured the moment.Kibunguchi joined Minnesota after being included in the 2021 Major Soccer League (MLS) draft from UC Davis where was named to the All-Big West Conference First Team in 2019.it’s going to be time to paint the night black pic.twitter.com/5CnXzYWLwt— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 20, 2022 The 24-year-old defender was then shipped out on loan to Sacramento Republic FC which is Minnesota’s feeder team and spent the last season on loan at the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.Kibunguchi was handed a start in the 2-0 win over Forward Madison in the US Open Cup as Minnesota punched a ticket to the Round of 16 of the tournament. The right-sided centre back took to Twitter to express his delight after finally making his debut for Minnesota as he capped off his maiden appearance with victory.Kapaito, Bernard Ochieng watch as Arba Minch pick vital win in Ethiopia“Big effort from the lads tonight! Blessed to get me debut as well,” said the defender who has already made two appearances for the USA Under 19 side but is still eligible to feature for Harambee Stars.Got down to business & coming home with a W pic.twitter.com/Y1CidErTqS— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 21, 2022 Following a drab first half, Minnesota finally upped the ante in the second half and broke the deadlock six minutes into the half through Adrien Hunou.Brent Kallman extinguished any hopes of a Forward Madison leveller when he netted in the 83rd minute as Drew Conner was sent off a minute later to see Madison finish the game with 10 men.
