From the first whistle, the air crackled with anticipation, and it took a mere three minutes for the stadium to erupt. A masterful inswinger from Mwalimu found the prolific Oscar Juma, who didn't hesitate, unleashing a thunderous strike that left the Gucha Stars' keeper with no chance. The early opener set 3K FC alight, establishing a vital lead and hinting at a potential rout. However, Gucha Stars, though momentarily stunned, quickly regrouped, demonstrating early signs that this would be no walk in the park for the hosts, as they pushed for an immediate response.

As the game unfolded, the narrative shifted from a dominant home display to a nail-biting encounter. 3K FC had golden opportunities to extend their lead, with Oscar Juma's long throw setting up a Mejjas header that agonizingly went wide, and later, Owen's exquisite pass putting Juma through, only for the offside flag to deny what would have been a crucial second. Crucially, Peter, 3K FC’s guardian between the sticks, was forced into a brilliant save in the 25th minute, denying Gucha Stars an equalizer and underlining the finely balanced nature of the contest. The Gucha Stars keeper also pulled off a phenomenal save from Kithome, keeping their hopes alive.

With the clock winding down, Gucha Stars threw everything forward, their desperation palpable. Owen's powerful shot was heroically blocked in the 83rd minute, epitomizing 3K FC's commitment to protecting their slender advantage. Late substitutions for 3K FC, bringing on fresh legs in Sellasie and Ian, were a clear signal to shore up the defense and see out the game. The final whistle, arriving after a gruelling battle that stretched into an unusually long added time, was met with a collective sigh of relief and joyous celebration. Oscar Juma’s solitary strike stood tall, proving to be the match-winner in a truly unforgettable, gritty performance.