Nairobi, Kenya — August 10, 2026 … Sunday’s SportPesa Xperience rematch at Nyayo National Stadium delivered on every front high drama on the pitch and heartfelt tribute off it, as Manchester United fans edged Arsenal fans 5-4 on penalties while Kenyan football legends Francis Onyiso, Dennis Oliech and Lawrence Olum were celebrated for their contributions to the game.
In one of the day’s most memorable moments, Onyiso fondly known as ‘The Menace’ was presented with a live goat by Manchester United fans’ captain Eric Omondi, a gesture symbolic of his revered status in Kenyan football. Oliech, one of the country’s most celebrated strikers, was also honoured, alongside Lawrence Olum, the only Kenyan to have ever won a Major League Soccer (MLS) title.
The football itself lived up to the occasion. Comedian Jian and Yasin combined to put United ahead against the run of play in the first half, before Arsenal fans fought back through Machwani and Telvin Paul to send the match to a penalty shootout. United held their nerve to win it 5-4, with Omondi converting the decisive kick to extend his side’s unbeaten run over Arsenal fans to two matches.
“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 afterward.
Arsenal fans’ captain Useful Idioty praised his side’s fight despite the loss: “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.”
SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri said the day captured exactly what the Xperience series set out to do. “Whether you support Arsenal, Manchester United or you are a neutral, the fans walked out of the stadium having shared something unforgettable together,” he said.
With tens of thousands in the stands and hundreds of thousands watching online, the rematch marks another milestone in SportPesa’s ongoing commitment to fan-first football activations across Kenya.
