Relegation-threatened Ulinzi Stars FC produced a spirited comeback to edge Mathare United FC 2-1 in a tense SportPesa League clash at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, a result that breathed fresh life into the Soldiers’ survival bid while dragging the Slum Boys deeper into the relegation battle heading into the final stretch of the season.
Coming into the encounter, Ulinzi Stars knew only maximum points would keep their hopes of avoiding the drop alive. On the other hand, Mathare United needed just a victory to mathematically secure their top-flight status for next season.
With so much at stake, the contest was always expected to be fiercely fought, and both sides showed urgency from the opening whistle as they battled aggressively for second balls and territorial dominance in midfield.
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The Soldiers looked lively early on and nearly broke the deadlock in the 15th minute after Bonface Muchiri was brought down in a dangerous position just outside the area. The winger stepped up and curled his free-kick narrowly wide, leaving the Mathare bench momentarily worried.
Five minutes later, Kevin Musambai electrified the right flank with dazzling footwork to beat his marker before whipping in a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Staphod Odhiambo connected well but guided his effort inches wide in what turned out to be another glorious chance for Ulinzi.
The hosts continued to push forward with confidence, and in the 31st minute Emilio Brian slipped a neat pass to Musambai, whose curling strike from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target.
Despite Ulinzi’s attacking intent, Mathare United remained dangerous on set pieces, and in the 39th minute Hillary Kiprotich forced Sylvain Ricks into a superb save with a powerful free-kick that stung the goalkeeper’s palms.
Both sides headed into the halftime break deadlocked at 0-0 after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
Mathare United struck first just three minutes after the restart when Adams Nyambane rose highest to head home from a corner kick for his maiden goal for the club, silencing the home supporters and giving the Slum Boys a crucial lead.
Ulinzi Stars head coach immediately reacted in the 52nd minute, introducing Telena Ochieng’, fresh from trials in Spain, alongside Nyongesa in place of Otunda and Musambai respectively. The changes transformed the game instantly.
Nyongesa wasted no time making his presence felt, delivering a pinpoint cross into the area that Paul Okoth expertly headed home to level matters for Ulinzi Stars. The goal was Okoth’s 15th of the season and reignited belief among the Soldiers faithful.
Mathare almost restored their advantage moments later through Isaac Omweri and Paul Kinyanjui, but the Ulinzi backline held firm under pressure. Coach Mohammed Muchula responded with further tactical changes, bringing on Brian Ochieng’ and Eli Asieche for Nyambane and Dennis Okoth in search of renewed attacking energy.
The hosts then suffered an injury setback in the 62nd minute when captain Brian Birgen was forced off and replaced by Muchika.
Ulinzi continued to pile pressure and nearly found a second goal in the 70th minute when Bonface Muchiri delivered a dangerous set piece into the box. Masinde connected cleanly with a powerful header, but Mathare goalkeeper Kevin Ouru produced two outstanding back-to-back saves to keep his side level.
With the game heading towards a draw, both sides made late substitutions in the 81st minute. Ulinzi introduced Shambi and Nyale for Muchiri and Emilio, while Mathare replaced Paul Kinyanjui with Macharia.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when Nyale danced past his marker before squaring a brilliant pass to Paul Okoth, who had ghosted into space inside the area. The striker kept his composure and rifled the ball into the net to complete his brace and send the Ulinzi Sports Complex into celebration.
The goal was Okoth’s 16th of the campaign, moving him just one behind Murang’a Seal striker Joe Waithira in the race for the Golden Boot.
The crucial victory lifted Ulinzi Stars out of the relegation zone on 35 points with two matches still left to play, while Mathare United remain nervously looking over their shoulders on 38 points with only one game remaining.
Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks dropped into the relegation zone after Kakamega Homeboyz struck late to equalize 2-2, a result that also saw Ulinzi Stars move up to 15th place, while Sharks’ draw pushed them down to 16th as the league enters its final stretch.
Goals from David Majak, Oliver Majaka, Boniface Nyabuto, and Faize Opande ensured the two sides shared the spoils.
Meanwhile, in another fixture, Posta Rangers secured a 1-0 win over KCB, taking their tally to 40 points, comfortably enough to keep them safe for next season.
Ulinzi Stars FC Starting XI
- Sylvain Ricks (GK)
- Brian Birgen (C)
- Otunga
- Bildad
- Masinde
- Emilio Brian
- Kevin Musambai
- Okite
- Paul Okoth
- Staphod Odhiambo
- Bonface Muchiri
Mathare United FC Starting XI
- Kevin Ouru (GK)
- Hillary Kiprotich
- John Nyawir
- Ian Omondi
- Cetric Asango
- Mohammed Kilume
- Adams Nyambane
- Isaac Omweri
- Paul Kinyanjui
- Brian Ouru
- Dennis Okoth