Wamalwa twists knife on Nakumatt as Ulinzi go third

Ulinzi Stars FC rose to third on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings as they claimed a dramatic 3-2 win over struggling Nakumatt at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Oscar Wamalwa scored twice from the spot, including a stoppage time winner to pile more misery for the hosts who, despite their spirited display, will go a tenth match without a win.

Former Sofapaka FC striker Brian Nyakan had put Nakumatt ahead inside 10 minutes before Elvis Nandwa pulled one back in the 36th to leave the tie all square at the break.

Wamalwa put the visitors ahead after the interval  minutes from time but were pegged back in the 88th when Donald Mosoti beat goalkeeper Jacktone Odhiambo from six yards out.

And just when the Retailers thought they had nicked a point, Wamalwa notched his brace with virtually the last minute of play in a cruel finish.

The Soldiers took time to settle, allowing the hosts to terrorize their half in the muddy stadium, following a heavy downpour that characterized the venue’s town and its environs in the morning.

The breakthrough came in the eighth minute, with Nyakan capitalising on a failed clearance from Ulinzi after Timona Wanyonyi’s cross inside the six yard box.

He made a 360 degrees turn to beat Brian Birgen, and slotted in past goalkeeper Jacktone Odhiambo on the far right post to put his side in the driving seat.

Two minutes later Wanyonyi, a former AFC Leopards winger, sent another cross across the goal, this time Nyakan failing to get right connection.

Daniel Waweru almost responded immediately after connecting with Oscar Wamalwa but goalkeeper Lucas Indeche denied him.

Nandwa equalised in the 36th, finishing off Wamalwa’s thread after a quick counter attack move engineered by Oliver Ruto.

The goal rejuvenated Ulinzi, who camped at Nakumatt’s half for the better part of the first stanza.

Mosoti had to clear qickly before Wamalwa landed onto ball in the six-yard box in the 40th, after Indeche parrying the ball to the pacy striker’s path.

Just before the break Wamalwa had his goal controversially ruled offside, despite receiving the ball behind Rodgers Omondi who he dodged before burying home past Indeche.

Upon resumption, Ulinzi were more aggressive, introducing Indeche and his backline to a more busier phase of the clash.

Ulinzi were awarded a penalty after Mosoti brought down Cliff Kasuti inside the box in the 66, and Wamalwa made no mistake sending Indeche the wrong way a minute later to make it 2-1.

Five minutes to the stoppage, Nakumatt beneffited after Hassan Mohammed’s handball in the box, and despite fierce protests by his teammates, the referee pointed to the spot.

Mosoti, with his trademark zig-zag walk from the centre of the field to the spot, burried the ball on the far right post to restore parity.

But it was not over yet. Wamalwa was the man to execute the third penalty of the match and the second for Ulinzi, after Nyakan was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Being his second spot-kick of the match, he beat Indeche had read his direction but was not quick enough to dive.
The 92nd minute goal assured the visitors maximum points, and the slow-match celebration signalled a well finished business away from home.