Ulinzi Stars secured their first home win of the season thanks to a hat-trick from evergreen forward Paul Okoth.
Fresh from winning the SportPesa League Player of the Month for November, Okoth scored a goal in the first half and a second-half brace to hand the Soldiers their first win in five matches after three consecutive losses.
At the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Monday, the host started on the front foot, taking the lead just six minutes in when Boniface Muchiri’s free kick was saved by Posta Rangers goalkeeper Bixente Otieno; however, the resultant ball fell into Okoth’s path, who slotted home to break the deadlock.
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Paul Okoth powers Ulinzi Stars to first SportPesa League win at home
The match headed into the break with the goal from the former Migori Youth player as the difference.
The off-season signing eventually doubled the Soldiers’ lead after being put through by Mwasi before striking past Bixente.
Okoth finally completed his hat-trick with minutes to spare before full-time after Muchiri was fouled inside the box.
He becomes the first player to net a hat-trick in the 2025/26 season. The victory breathes a new sense of hope into the Stephen Ocholla-coached side as they move away from the relegation zone.
Kakamega Homeboyz come from behind to snatch a point against Kenya Police FC
Elsewhere in Kakamega, reigning champions Kenya Police FC blew a glorious chance to go top of the table when they bottled a two-goal lead against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The Law Enforcers had taken a two-goal lead heading into the break via Charles Ouma and Marvin Nabwire, before a second-half comeback inspired by Potiphar Odhiambo and substitute Hillary Juma leveled the scores to 2-2 at full-time.
At the Kasarani Annex, the battle of relegation-threatened Kariobangi Sharks and Sofapaka ended in a goalless stalemate.
Sharks remain bottom of the league table with 12 points picked from their 14 matches heading into the Christmas break.
Murang’a SEAL unbeaten streak extend to nine SportPesa League matches
In the final match of the day, Murang’a SEAL picked up their second consecutive win and extended their unbeaten run to nine matches with a powerful 3-1 win over Mara Sugar at the Awendo Green Stadium.
Joe Waithira’s first-half double and Lucas Maina’s second-half strike delivered the victory, with the Millers’ consolation goal scored by James Owili.
Bidco United will wrap up the SportPesa League calendar year when they host AFC Leopards at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Tuesday afternoon.
