Manchester United fans celebrate at Nyayo Stadium/ HANDOUT
Manchester United fans beat their Arsenal 5-4 on post-match penalties in a SportPesa Xperience rematch at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
It was another dramatic chapter in the fierce fan rivalry, with United making it two wins from two after their 3-2 victory in the first meeting in June.
And once again, penalties delivered the heartbreak.
United stunned Arsenal by taking the lead through comedians Jian and Yasin, who combined to punish the Gunners with a slick move in the first half.
Arsenal, however, refused to fold.
Machwani and Telvin Paul struck after the break as the Gunners fought back to level the contest and force a shootout.
With the pressure mounting, United kept their cool.
Captain Eric Omondi stepped up to bury the decisive penalty and send the United camp into wild celebrations.
Arsenal had arguably been the better side for long spells, but United were ruthless when it mattered most.
"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.
The result leaves United fans with a perfect record in the SportPesa Xperience rivalry — two games, two wins.
But for Arsenal captain Useful Idioty, the result did not tell the whole story.
"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.
Thousands of fans packed Nyayo, turning the stadium into a wall of red as supporters from both camps brought the Manchester United-Arsenal rivalry to life.
Meanwhile, Kenyan legends Francis Onyiso and Dennis Oliech were honoured during the event for their contribution to the game.
Oliech, affectionately known as ‘The Menace’, received a goat — a fitting tribute to one of Kenya's most celebrated footballers.
Former Harambee Stars defender Lawrence Olum was also recognised for his achievement as the only Kenyan to have won the Major League Soccer (MLS) title in the United States of America.
SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri said the event was ultimately about creating memorable experiences for football fans.
"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.
