Nairobi, Kenya — August 10, 2026 … 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 stadium, packed to capacity in a blaze of red from both camps, watched Manchester United fans strike first through comedian Jian and Yasin, who combined to catch Arsenal fans cold and take a first-half lead against the run of play.
Arsenal fans regrouped and hit back through Machwani and Telvin Paul, forcing a share of the spoils after normal time and pushing the contest to penalties.
Despite the Gunners being the better side for large stretches of the match, United proved more clinical when it mattered, eventually winning the shootout 5-4, with captain Eric Omondi stepping up to convert the decisive spot-kick.
Tens of thousands of fans packed Nyayo Stadium in a sea of red from both sides, with hundreds of thousands more following the action online as the rivalry between the two fan bases played out for a second time, United having triumphed 3-2 in the first leg in June.
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.
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 caps another successful chapter in the SportPesa Xperience calendar, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to fan-first football activations across Kenya.
