FKFPL: Oalo's first half penalty leaves Ulinzi staggering as Tusker climb to third

A first half penalty by Dennis Oalo was enough for Tusker, as they beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 at St. Sebastian Park on Friday, 5 December, making it two consecutive wins for Charles Okere’s side.

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Oalo, keeping his place in attack for another week in place of the injured Eric Kapaito, converted his spot-kick shortly after the half-hour mark to give The Brewers a lead they never relinquished.

The former Nairobi City Stars man, who has come up with crucial goals this season, was granted the opportunity to add to his two strikes for his new side when Ulinzi Stars defender Brian Birgen fouled Curtis Wekesa inside the box.

Oalo made no mistake in stabbing past Sylvaine Ricks, a kick that ended up defining the game, earning Tusker three valuable points that took them to third, while Ulinzi, who seemed to have gathered some momentum in November, dropped their fifth game to remain 13th.

Match Report

In his pre-game notes ahead of a busy December schedule, Tusker coach Okere termed the game as one that was important in ensuring his side goes perfect all through to the end the year.

Having seen his side reap big in Awendo last weekend, morale was high in the team, but they had to be resilient in the first minutes of the game as Ulinzi, who were unbeaten in their last three, threatened to take the lead.

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The first chance for The Soldiers fell to striker Paul Okoth, only for him to send his second-minute effort inches wide. Five minutes later, Brian Emilio found Masita Masuta in a promising position, but for Tusker defender Thomas Teka to come up with a big block.

On the other end, Cliff Oruko attempted a curler, but was way off target.

Ulinzi's barrage went on till the 12th minute, when Charles Momanyi made a last-ditch tackle to ward off any danger. That, it proved, was the end of the visitor's brave start, as they were pegged back in the subsequent minutes, and went down when Birgen committed a foul on Wekesa on a quick counter to bring up Oalo's opener in the 32nd minute.

As seen in previous wins, Tusker in the aftermath of that goal relied on their improving defense, which shut out their resilient visitors, who again began the second half on top, but could not threaten keeper Brandon Obiero, who kept his place in goal after making his debut last weekend.

Former Brewer Brian Muchiri saw his dipping corner repelled by Momanyi in the 52nd minute, before the latter again headed away Telena Ochieng's dangerous pass to Masuta.

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Okoth, with his team's last attack, forced a big save off Obiero in the 84th minute, Ulinzi going a fourth straight game without a win over Tusker, and unlike their tormentors, kicking off a new month on the wrong footing.