Ulinzi Stars saw their run of two consecutive wins come to an abrupt end after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to APS Bomet at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with Antony Naibei’s stoppage-time strike in the first half proving to be the difference in a tightly contested FKF Premier League encounter.
The victory served as sweet revenge for the Bomet-based side, who had earlier lost to Ulinzi Stars by a similar margin at home courtesy of Paul Okoth’s goal.
Aps Bomet started the match on the front foot, showing attacking intent from the first whistle. In the sith minute, Hansel Ochieng’ nearly broke the deadlock with a well-timed header after a neat build-up, but the effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Silvain Ricks.
The forward continued to trouble the Ulinzi backline and came close again in the 13th minute, only to see his low shot slip inches wide of the post.
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APS Bomet edge out Ulinzi Star 0-1
With 20 minutes played, both sides were still locked in a tactical battle, pressing high and trying to dominate possession in midfield.
Ulinzi Stars responded with a promising move when Paul Okoth made a brilliant interception off a Bomet defender before picking out Staphod Odhiambo at the edge of the box, but his effort whistled narrowly wide.
The breakthrough eventually came in added time of the first half when Antony Naibei capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home and give Aps Bomet a crucial lead heading into the break.
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Aps Bomet were forced into an early change in the 54th minute as Mandela replaced the injured Wandera.
Ulinzi Stars returned from the dressing room with renewed urgency piling pressure on the Aps Bomet defense and almost found an equalizer in the 59th minute. Paul Okoth found himself one-on-one with Edward Masembe, but the defender shielded the ball well for a corner. Bonface Muchiri delivered the resulting set piece, but Aps Bomet’s defense stood firm.
Ulinzi Stars coach Hassan Rio responded with tactical changes, introducing Edward Odhiambo for Peter Mwanyika in the 59th minute to bolster the attack.
In the 65th minute, Muchiri once again showcased his set-piece quality, delivering a sumptuous free kick that found Paul Okoth in the box, but his powerful header was brilliantly parried away by goalkeeper Maxwell Mulili, who was in inspired form throughout the match.
Bomet nearly doubled their lead in the 68th minute after back-to-back attacking waves. Kubasu struck a fierce 20-yard effort following a poor clearance by the Ulinzi defense, forcing Ricks into a fine save.
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To introduce more firepower in attack Coach Pamzo introduced Philemon Nyakwaka for Hansel Ochieng’ in the 70th minute and Moments later, Frank Mandela’s long throw was cleared by Bildad, with the loose ball falling to Kipkemoi, whose snapshot sailed inches wide in the 72nd minute.
Ulinzi Stars brought in Leshan Mootian for Staphod Odhiambo in the 72nd minute.Coach Pamzo later introduced Dickson for goalscorer Naibei in the 80th minute to protect the lead.
Ulinzi Stars pushed forward in the closing stages and won a late corner, but Maxwell Mulili produced a crucial save to deny them and secure all three points for Aps Bomet.
The win lifts Aps Bomet out of the relegation zone as they now tie with Ulinzi Stars on 25 points, giving them a significant boost in their fight for survival.
Ulinzi Stars vs APS Bomet Starting Lineups
Ulinzi Stars: Ricks (GK), Birgen (C), Telena Ochieng’, Muchika, Bildad, Brian, Peter Mwanyika, Okite, Paul Okoth, Staphod Odhiambo, Bonface Muchiri.
APS Bomet: Maxwell Mulili (GK), Masembe, Buleti, Odhiambo, Wandera, Omondi, Antony Naibei, Kubasu, Kipkemoi, Hansel Ochieng’, Philip Wasai (C).