Finally! Ulinzi HC shoot down NCPB to lift KHF Super Cup

Proper respect to coach Nixon Oyaro and his charges, Ulinzi Handball Club!

The soldiers, finally, have subdued perennial winners National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to win this year's Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) Super Cup. 

Ulinzi endured an 80-minute match, the clash ending after two extra times, following a 27- all draw in regulation time, with a score of 37-35 for the military side. 

"This has been a long time coming, this is a culmination of hard work, teamwork and determination. Our endurance came into play too. I have to commend my players for their never-die spirit even when all seemed lost and with a few seconds to the end of the match in regular side," coach Oyaro offered. 

With nine minutes played, the soldiers had gone ahead 6-3 prompting Brian Mathews to call for a timely timeout as song and dance ruled the stands cheering Ulinzi on. 

The Millers fought to hold Oyaro's charges but a two-goal difference remained at 7-5, 8-6 but Timothy Kirimi brought the holders within a goal, converting from the 7-metre line for 8-7 with 19 minutes elapsed. 

Nicholas Okore leveled matters for the Millers at eight goals, parting the soldiers' defense like the red sea to slot past Jacob Wanga who had been granted a starting berth in goal at the expense of Duncan Kimutai.

Frank Kiplagat pulled one back for the military side, rising above the millers' defense to regain the lead but that was short-lived as Julius Chiunda and Thodosia Sangoro made it 9-10 in favour of NCPB with six minutes to the break. 

A minute later, Ireri lost the opportunity to level the score as his effort from the 7-metre line was saved by Ian Odhiambo. 

Back-to-back scores for NCPB from William Malui and Kirimi gave the side their biggest lead so far at 9-12 and it was Oyaro's turn to call for a timeout but the difference remained at half-time at 10-13. 

"We had the chance to win this match with less than ten seconds left in regular time but one costly mistake saw us give up the one-goal advantage for the draw.

In extra time, we also had the advantage but we allowed them scores that brought them right back and we couldn't withstand the final extra time.

It is not the result we wanted but this gives us fire heading into the new season," Mathews offered.

It was bound to be an uphill task for Ulinzi in the second half but if they felt the pressure it did not show as they kept a tight defense on their goal forcing the Millers into turnovers, but failed to reward themselves on offense for the three-goal difference to prevail five minutes into the second half. 

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NCPB called for a timeout, the first in the second half nine minutes in as Kiplagat brought Ulinzi to within two goals at 15-17, the difference remaining at 16-18. 

Musa Munyasia made it 17-18 but Okore replied immediately for the two-goal advantage to prevail. 

The give and take continued, Ulinzi losing two open chances that would have leveled the score at 20 goals and they found themselves trailing 20-23 with ten-minute to play. 

Determined not to go down without a fight, the soldiers scored back-to-back for 22-23. Kimutai played a massive game just when Ulinzi needed saving, denying the Millers twice for the difference to remain.

A moment of madness and NCPB led 23-26 with Robert Maraga involved in all three goals. Gideon Mulwa and Nicholas Ireri scoring for 26-27. 

NCPB were already counting the seconds to defending the title but what transpired next could only read like a script from some movie.

Okore went down with the ball in hand and with no call for a violation, the player realized he would be time-barred and attempted to give a back pass that was intercepted by Kiplagat and over to Ireri who had an open goal for the equalizer to send the match into extra time. 

The Millers scored three while restricting Ulinzi to two to head to the change over leading by a goal but Mulwa leveled for 30 with the first possession at the second five minutes of extra time. 

Both sides defended like their life depended on it, Ulinzi scoring two more while the Millers managed one for another stalemate. Mulwa had the opportunity, but off a difficult position on a free throw and his miss was no surprise. Second extra time! 

Maraga on the double, Ireri and Munyasia with the cancellations for 33 ups. Mulwa rose above everyone to give the soldiers their first lead in more than 30 minutes at 34-33 to head to the changeover in the lead. 

There was no resting for either side, Munyasia making it 35-33 but Okore replying for 36-34. Phillip Isuza was good for two more goals for 37-35 with one and a half minutes on the clock and the, not for lack of trying couldn't penetrate for the equalisers or winning goals.