Ushuru in deeper relegation dogfight after drab 0-0 draw

Ushuru FC were sucked deeper into the relegation mud as they threw away the chance to pull further away from the danger zone after playing to a 0-0 draw against already relegated Nairobi City Stars in a forgettable Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at the Ruaraka Stadium on Sunday.

Ushuru desperately needed a win to ease off the pressure mounted on them by 15th-placed Sofapaka FC yet their display was stale as that of their opponents who have nothing left to play for this season. It was a brutal 90 minutes for any lover of football and, quite rightly, describes the lack of ambition these two teams have often portrayed in their 29 games of top flight football this season.

Ushuru’s draw came against arguably the weakest KPL side this season and meant Ken Kenyatta’s men stretched their winless streak to a shocking 14 games.

The Taxmen are now 14th on the log with 26 points, four above Sofapaka FC who play Mathare United on Saturday.

“We’ve dropped two points here today. There will be much to do in our next match as we finish the league but I was not impressed with the officiating today,” Kenyatta complained after the match.

His opposite counterpart Richard Tamale, still reeling after their relegation fate was sealed by Kakamega Homeboyz in 3-1 defeat a week earlier, accused officiating as their main undoing this season.

Poor or not the officiating has been, the table cannot disguise the cruel truth these two teams have simply lacked the cutting edge and incisiveness to win games.

The first real chance of the game fell to former City Stars player Nelson Marasowe but his curling free-kick in the sixth minute sailed just wide with goalkeeper Rony Kagunzi beaten.

After an uninspiring opening 20 minutes, City Stars finally created a chance of their own but Oliver Maloba’s scuffed shot failed to trouble custodian Shaban Odhoji.

At the half hour mark, City Stars’ only outstanding player this season Jimmy Bageya embarked on a brilliant solo run past Jackton Onjala and Fan Ngaira before unleashing a powerful effort that came crackling off the crossbar.

It was a flash reminder to KPL sides who might already preying on top talent from the Kawangware-based outfit of his fine quality.

Ushuru threatened moments later through Philemon Otieno but Kagunzi reacted expertly to keep out his long range shot.

Kagunzi was once again called to action five minutes before the break, coming off his lines to punch clear a cut-back just across the face of his goal.

The second half was a far worse lackluster treat with neither side posing any threat near goal.

Kenyatta sought to sharpen his team by introducing Tony Nyang’or, Maurice Odipo and Roosevelt Blaty for Kennedy Oduor, Barrack Odhiambo and Ebrimah Sanneh but the trio never really impose themselves on the game.