Wobbling Ulinzi hold Homeboyz as Police arrest four-game winless run against Sofapaka
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 26.02.26. | 16:04
Homeboyz remain fourth with their hopes of lifting their maiden league crown fading fast
The 2010 FKF Premier League champions, Ulinzi Stars, extended their winless run to seven following a 1-1 stalemate against Kakamega Homeboyz in a league match staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
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Harambee Stars wing wizard Boniface Muchiri netted a goal of the season contender to open the scores for the Soilders three minutes after the half hour mark, but Pistone Mutamba was on hand to restore parity for Abana Beingo.
For Ulinzi, sitting second from bottom before kick off and desperate to climb out of the relegation trapdoor, nothing short of victory was the mission.
Homeboyz, meanwhile, arrived in Nairobi, placed fourth and were keen to trim the gap on league leaders Gor Mahia, with maximum points seen as essential in sustaining their historic title push.
The contest burst into life from the first whistle. Homeboyz nearly stunned their hosts inside three minutes when Peter Thiong’o connected with Glen Masava’s long delivery, only to see his effort crash off the woodwork.
Two minutes later, Ulinzi responded in kind. Boniface Muchiri, the Harambee Stars attacker, unleashed a fierce low drive that slipped beneath Ibrahim Wanzala but rebounded off the post.
Chances continued to flow in an open, end-to-end first half. Henry Omollo came close for the visitors after being picked out by Thiong’o, while John Kago forced Potiphar Odhiambo into a crucial block at the other end.
Rodgers Ouma and Bill Clinton Okite both threatened as the intensity refused to dip.
The breakthrough, however, arrived three minutes past the half-hour mark. Muchiri, lively throughout, collected possession just outside the 18-yard area and delicately chipped the advancing Wanzala to hand Ulinzi a deserved lead.
It was a finish brimming with confidence, and one that ignited belief among the hosts.
Homeboyz attempted an immediate response. Oliver Majak saw his effort gathered by Sylvaine Ricks before Muchiri again threatened with a long-range attempt that drifted wide.
Eston Omengo came closest before the interval, striking a well-controlled volley from 25 yards that Ricks parried away as Ulinzi went into the break leading 1-0.
Upon resumption, Homeboyz emerged with renewed urgency.
On a soggy Ulinzi Complex surface, the visitors began dictating tempo, pushing their hosts deeper in search of an equaliser.
Majak again tested Ricks early in the second half as the pressure steadily mounted.
Sensing momentum shifting, head coach Patrick Odhiambo introduced Piston Mutamba for Henry Omollo, a move that would soon prove decisive.
Seven minutes past the hour mark, the leveller finally arrived.
A slick interchange involving Shafik Batambuze and Oliver Majak culminated in a teasing delivery into the area.
Mutamba reacted quickest, connecting first-time to steer the ball home and restore parity.
The momentum was now firmly with the visitors. Mutamba nearly doubled his tally moments later after dancing past his marker, only to fire narrowly wide.
Ulinzi, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Muchiri again attempting a long-range effort that drifted off target.
The closing stages produced further drama.
Glen Masava almost won it for Homeboyz ten minutes from time, latching onto Samuel Odaro’s cut-back but sending his effort inches wide of the upright.
Peter Thiong’o then squandered the final opportunity of the afternoon, chesting down Potiphar Odhiambo’s long ball before forcing Ricks into a fingertip save.
At full-time, the stalemate felt heavier for Homeboyz.
The dropped points leave them eight behind Gor Mahia in the title race, a significant setback in their quest for a first-ever FKF Premier League crown.
For Ulinzi Stars, the wait for a first win of the year continues. Though the performance showed grit and attacking promise, the single point does little to ease their relegation concerns as they remain firmly entrenched in the danger zone.
Sofapaka 0-2 Kenya Police
Elsewhere, Kenya Police FC arrested their four-game winless run with a comfortable 2-0 win over bottom dwellers Sofapaka at the Vapor Grounds, Ngong.
January transfer window acquisition, Yves Junior Koutiama from Burkina Faso handed Nicholas Muyoti's men the lead after just 13 minutes, while a long-range thunderbolt from Abud Omar nine minutes after the resumption of the second half sealed all three points for Police.
For Sofapaka, the defeat deepens an already worrying slide.
Rooted at the bottom of the table, the 2009 champions now stare at the real prospect of relegation for the first time since earning promotion in 2009.