Ulinzi drop their guard, Mathare win to climb out of danger zone

Ulinzi Stars twice surrendered their lead as Western Stima forced a 2-2 draw during Monday’s FKF Premier League clash in Kericho.

Oscar Wamalwa gave Ulinzi the lead after just 12 minutes and the hosts preserved that advantage into the second half when Baron Oketch equalised from the penalty spot almost immediately after the restart.

Ulinzi went back in front through Elvis Nandwa with just over 10 minutes left on the clock and there was still time for a late equaliser after Mbaruku Mohamed punished a poor clearance just outside the area.

The result means Ulinzi have drawn a remarkable eight games, more than any other side in the division and left them eighth on the standings on 14 points while Stima dropped into second from the bottom.

Mathare United moved above Stima into 16th, climbing off the relegation zone for the first time this season after edging Nzoia Sugar 1-0 thanks to James Kinyanjui’s second half winner.

Ulinzi were rewarded for their courageous start when Wamalwa stroked home the opener and Nandwa should have at least troubled Stima goalkeeper Kennedy Omondi after he was picked out in a promising position by Daniel Waweru.

Junior Mukisa saw his shot blocked by Bonaventure Muchika for a fruitless corner as the visitors looked to hit back and they were let off just before the break when Wamalwa’s looped effort failed to dip in time and sailed over the bar.

Stima were gifted an opportunity to haul themselves back in the game after Muchika was adjudged to have fouled Michael Karanor inside the area and Oketch duly stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty beyond James Saruni.

Boniface Andayi did well to read James Ogada’s attempted pass over the top of the Ulinzi defence, heading the ball back into center to prevent it from reaching Patrick Otieno who had made an early run.

Waweru failed to keep his header down on the other end after he had broken into the space behind and that was his last meaningful contribution as he made way for Masita Masuta.

Nandwa put Ulinzi back in front after some nice work from substite Omar Boraafya but that lead barely last eight minutes as Mbaruku evened the scores late on.

Tags:

Mathare United Ulinzi Stars Western Stima Afraha Stadium Elvis Nandwa Baron Oketch Mbaruku Mohamed

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