- Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars will open Round 17 of the SportPesa League 2025/26.
- The match will be played on Friday, January 16, at the Kasarani Stadium.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM EAT.
Round 17 of the SportPesa League 25/26 kicks off on Friday, January 16, with a standalone fixture where Mathare United will host Ulinzi Stars at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, beginning at 4pm EAT.
The two sides enter this match separated by just one point; Mathare sits 13th with 18 points, narrowly above Ulinzi, who are 14th with 17 points.
For the hosts, the Slum Boys, this will be an opportunity to return to winning ways after enduring back to back defeats.
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Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars
They fell 1-0 to Bandari FC last month before stumbling in their first match of the year against Murang’a SEAL, losing 0-2 at home.
That home defeat to MSEAL marked their eighth loss of the season in 16 matches and their fifth at home in seven fixtures having secured only two victories.
They will also be eager to improve their disappointing form in front of their own supporters.
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For the Soldiers, the aim will be to extend their unbeaten run to three matches, coming into this clash with a win and a draw. They opened the year with a 1–1 stalemate against league newcomers Nairobi United.
Stephen Ochola’s side are yet to win away in their two most recent outings, both ending in defeat; to Tusker FC and AFC Leopards.
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Of their eight matches on the road this season, they have won just three, drawn twice, and lost three. They will be determined to correct this record.
Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars team news
In their draw against NaiBois, Ulinzi Stars missed one of their key performers this season, the in-form Paul Okoth.
Ochola explained that the player had been unwell but could return for this match.
“He has been unwell, and we did not want to risk his health. He has been recovering since returning from the festive break, but we have other players who can step in,” the coach stated after the match.
Ulinzi have introduced young talent during the ongoing January transfer window. Joseph Nyale and Mwinyi have been promoted from the youth team as part of a strategy to inject energy into the squad.
“We want to play high-intensity football, and we will depend on the younger generation to provide the dynamism we need,” Ochola added.
Meanwhile, the Slum Boys have also strengthened their roster.
One notable signing is Ezekiel Omweri from Nairobi United, who joined days before this fixture and featured as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining in their last match.
“You can see that the team isn’t satisfied with the current situation. In every training session since I arrived, I’ve seen everyone’s desire to work toward winning. I believe things will improve, starting with the game against Ulinzi,” Omweri told the club’s media ahead of the clash.
Omweri is one of four players recruited during the mid-season transfer window, as scoring has been a significant challenge for the John Kamau’s side this campaign.
Ulinzi Stars failed to defeat Mathare United last season. The first leg ended in a goalless draw, while Mathare won the return fixture 1–0.