Nairobi United will be aiming to bounce back to SportPesa League winning ways, when they host relegation-threatened Ulinzi Stars in a crucial league clash set for Sunday, March 22, at Police Sacco Stadium from 3:30pm.
The Naibois head into the encounter looking to recover from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AFC Leopards in their previous SportPesa League match.
A solitary early strike by Samwel Ssenyonjo condemned Nairobi United to the narrow loss, leaving them ninth on the log with 33 points from 22 matches, although they still have two games in hand.
Despite the setback, the city-based side remains within reach of the top half and will be eager to return to winning ways in front of their home fans.
ALSO READ: Tusker eye revenge as they face AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium
Ulinzi Stars, on the other hand, the soldiers are wounded and under pressure following a 3-1 home defeat to Gor Mahia in their last league outing.
The loss proved costly as it led to the departure of head coach Stephen Ochola, with his assistants now handling the team on an interim basis. The soldiers are currently deep in the relegation zone with 19 points from 24 matches, having managed only four wins, seven draws, and 13 losses this season.
Form heading into the clash slightly favors Nairobi United, who have recorded mixed results in their last five league matches, winning two, drawing two, and losing one.
Ulinzi Stars, meanwhile, are winless in their last five matches and will be desperate to turn their fortunes around as they fight to avoid relegation.
The last meeting between the two sides in early January at the Ulinzi Complex ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
Nairobi United took the lead through Duncan Omalla after a well-delivered cross from Ovella Ochieng, but Ulinzi Stars responded late in the game when Evans Odhiambo headed home from a Boniface Muchiri corner to share the spoils.
Speaking ahead of the match, Nairobi United assistant coach Boniface Omondi emphasized the need for clinical finishing after the missed chances in their previous encounter with Ulinzi.
“In the last league game against Ulinzi, we created a lot of chances but still drew. This time we expect to create more chances and score more goals. We are all good in the defensive department, we expect to get all the three points God willing.”
In terms of team news, Nairobi United have received a boost with winger Ovella Ochieng resuming light training after a long injury layoff and is expected to return in the coming weeks.
However, Titus Ssematimba, Charles Waibi, Majaliwa Charo, and Roy Okal remain sidelined due to injuries and will miss the clash. Ulinzi Stars, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad with no major injury concerns heading into the match.
The match will be broadcast live on KBC Channel 1, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM (EAT) at Police Sacco Stadium, as Nairobi United look to secure vital points while Ulinzi Stars battle to keep their survival hopes alive.