The visitors started the game on the attack and really should have taken the lead during the opening stages. Craig Westcarr had a header from a Danny Bunce corner that was cleared off the line by Daggers defender Scott Griffiths.
Cambridge had an even better chance moments later. Westcarr set up his strike partner Fola Onibuje in the penalty area. Onibuje, however, contrived to put his shot wide 10 yards from goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.
John Still's side gradually worked their way back into the game, and goalkeeper Scott Howie pulled off a brilliant one-handed save to deny Ranbir Marwa.
The deadlock was broken with the last attack of the first half as Dagenham took the lead. Paul Bruce curled in a free-kick that the visiting defence were unable to clear. Eventually the ball broke to on loan striker Akurang, who scored with a terrific overhead kick. It was Akurang's first goal for Dagenham.
The Daggers had a couple chances to extend their lead midway through the second half. Howie produced another terrific one-handed save to tip away a header from Akurang, while Marwa shot over the bar when well placed in the Cambridge penalty area.
Cambridge boss Rob Newman threw several players forward, but in truth the visitors failed to register an attempt on target, and the Daggers comfortably saw out the rest of the game to secure a much-needed victory.