Man United Fans Retain Bragging Rights As SportPesa Xperience Rematch Ends In Penalty Drama
Dennis ‘The Menace’ Oliech (third left) feted as the Kenyan football Greatest Of All Time during the SportPesa Xperience rematch at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday. PHOTO/ SPORTPESA
NAIROBI, Kenya- It went right down to the wire at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, as Manchester United fans overcame a determined Arsenal fans side 5-4 on penalties to win the SportPesa Xperience rematch and extend their unbeaten run over their rivals to two.
The Gunners’ fans enjoyed the opening minutes of the game as their team had the Manchester United back line backtracking towards their own goal.
However, it was United who raced to the lead against the run of play, comedian Yaseen bending home with his left foot from just inside the area at the 11th minute.
Fellow comedian Jian doubled the lead at the halfway mark with an identical goal following a cross from YY Comedian.
Machwani pulled one back from a devastating counterattack just before the interval to keep Arsenal fans in the game.
Captain Useful Idioty got a golden chance to draw his team level but he dragged a left-foot effort wide from inside the area.
They however got rewarded for their relentless attack with 8 minutes to the end through Telvin Paul who stroked in at the far post.
Nothing would separate the two rivals and the match went to penalties where United proved more clinical, winning the shootout 5-4, with captain Eric Omondi stepping up to convert the decisive spot-kick.
The event, also streamed live to hundreds of thousands of fans, was organized under Twende Game, an ongoing push to bring fans back to the stadium, especially ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 SportPesa League season.
Speaking after the match, SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri said the event was about more than football.
“Today was about giving our fans an experience that goes beyond the pitch. Whether you support Arsenal, Manchester United or you are a neutral, the fans walked out of the stadium having shared something unforgettable together. That’s what SportPesa Xperience is all about – bringing fans closer to the game and closer to each other,” said Karauri.
Manchester United fans’ captain Eric Omondi credited his team’s composure under pressure.
“We knew Arsenal would come for us, and they did. But when it went to penalties, we trusted ourselves and got the job done. Back-to-back wins, that’s what champions do,” Omondi said.
Arsenal fans’ captain Useful Idioty was proud of his side’s performance despite the defeat.
“We dominated large parts of that game and deserved more. Penalties can be cruel, but I’m proud of how we fought back. We’ll be ready for the next one,” he said.
Man United fans crowned champions after edging Arsenal fans 5-4 during the SportPesa Xperience rematch at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday. PHOTO/ SPORTPESA
Kenyan legends feted
As part of the day’s events, Kenyan legends Francis Onyiso and Dennis Oliech were both recognized for their services to the game, with ‘The Menace’ receiving a goat from Omondi, symbolic of his celebrated stature in Kenyan football. Also recognized was Lawrence Olum, the only Kenyan to have won the Major League Soccer (MLS) title.
The rematch, following the first leg which United won 3-2 in June, caps another successful chapter in the SportPesa Xperience calendar, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to fan-first football activations across Kenya.
