Ulinzi stretch unbeaten record in Stima stalemate

Ulinzi Stars rallied from behind to hold Western Stima to a thrilling 1-1 draw in a midweek Kenyan Premier League match held at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium on Wednesday.

The result ensures Ulinzi’s unbeaten run in the the KPL remains intact and climb into sixth on the log while Stima remain 14th-placed after five rounds.

Raymond Murugi had given Stima the lead at the half hour mark, picking a loose ball inside the danger zone and dribbling past his marker before lashing it beyond the on-rushing Ulinzi custodian James Saruni.

That lead was however short-lived as Stephen Waruru tucked in the equalizer from a rebound after Cliff Kasuti’s header had ricocheted of the woodwork following a neatly floated cross from youthful defender Brian Birgen.

Stima should have taken a first half lead to the break when striker Moses Arita’s effort beat Saruni but Oliver Ruto was on hand to produce a heroic goal-line clearance to ensure the spoils were shared at the halfway mark.

Ulinzi were first to threaten after the restart when defender Geoffrey Kokoyo raced clear with the ball on the right flank but his rocket of a shot was punched away for a corner by Stima keeper Stephen Otieno.

Stima Coach Omino then made three quick substitutions, introducing Kennedy Otieno,  Benard Ondiek and Ezekiel Otuoma for Hubert Kopany, Raymond Murugi and Brian Marita.

His opposite number Benjamin Nyangweso responded by benching Samuel Onyango and Stephen Waruru, introducing Enosh Ochieng and Oscar Wamalwa in their places but the changes failed to tilt the match in their favour.

Ruto had a late chance to find the winner for Ulinzi but Otieno thwarted his effort and despite last-ditch hurrying and harassing, neither side could fashion what could have been the deciding goal.

-Report by Evans Asiba.

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KPL Ulinzi Stars Western Stima Kenyan Premier League football

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