Mozzart Bet Cup: Crestfallen Ulinzi Stars train guns elsewhere after painful elimination
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.05.26. | 12:22
The Soldiers lost the battle right at the death, much to the disappointment of coach Ndeto
Ulinzi Stars’ Mozzart Bet Cup journey came to an end following a 2-1 defeat to Tusker FC in the third quarter-final played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with head coach Mulinge Ndeto expressing disappointment while urging his side to refocus on their league survival battle.
Tusker drew first blood through Eric Kapaito, who capitalized on a rebound after goalkeeper Sylvaine Ricks had parried an initial effort from Yakeen Muteheli.
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Despite the early setback, Ulinzi responded positively, with Staphod Odhiambo finding the equalizer before halftime.
The match remained finely poised in the second half, but Tusker eventually found the decisive moment late on.
Tanzanian international Ibrahim Joshua struck the winner after a solo move initiated by Ian Simiyu, sealing progression for the brewers and ending Ulinzi’s cup campaign.
Speaking after the match, Ndeto did not hide his disappointment but remained pragmatic in his assessment.
“I’m disappointed, of course, but it’s football. We tried our best and I encourage our boys to keep working,” he said.
The Ulinzi tactician admitted the cup had offered a potential morale boost amid a difficult league campaign, but acknowledged that opportunity had now slipped away.
“We are not in a pretty position in the league as we are fighting relegation. So the Cup was to motivate us but as it has turned out, the day wasn’t ours,” he noted.
With Ulinzi currently sitting 13th in the 18-team Kenyan Premier League standings, Ndeto emphasized that his immediate priority is ensuring the club retains its top-flight status.
“My remaining task now is to try and make the team survive relegation in the league. The rest is for management to sort the issues of the team before next season begins,” he added.
Despite the loss, the coach was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Tusker’s performance.
“I congratulate Tusker for the win. They deserve it.”
Ulinzi bow out of the competition after a commendable run that saw them overcome Kakamega Homeboyz (1-0), Zoo FC (7-0), and Kamel Park Rangers (1-0) in earlier rounds.
Their focus now firmly shifts to securing their Premier League status in the remaining fixtures.