Sportpesa League Review: Ulinzi Stars Hold Nairobi United, Shabana Hold Gor As Leopards Hammer Tusker in Weekend Action

Nairobi United’s looked steadily headed towards victory with a clinical first-half strike from Dancan Omala but the Ulinzi satrs fought back 50 deny the Caf Confederation cup contenders all three points in an entertaining match played on sunday at Ulinzi sports complex. Evans Odhiambo rose highest in the 69th minute to power home a header from a Bonface Muchiri cross, ensuring Ulinzi Stars earned a crucial point. It was a match filled with tactical changes, moments of individual brilliance, and goalkeeping heroics as both sides walked away with a point after 90 pulsating minutes. Coming into the fixture on the back of a 2-0 defeat to AFC Leopards, Nairobi United head coach Salim Ali rang several changes to his starting lineup in a bid to freshen things up. Shaffic Ssebyala and Roy Okal were introduced into midfield, while David Wafula earned a starting berth in place of John Otieno, who was away on compassionate leave. Both teams settled quickly, with Nairobi United showing early intent through the flanks. Ovella Ochieng’ was particularly lively on the right wing, repeatedly using his pace and direct running to trouble the Ulinzi defence. The Soldiers, on the other hand, tried to stretch the Nai Bois backline with long balls played behind the defence. The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute after Omala sloted in across from Ovella Ochieng’ who beat his marker to sprint down the right flank before delivering a cross Omala. It was Omala’s third goal of the SportPesa League season and Ochieng’s fifth assist, underlining his growing influence in the team. Michael Karamor also went close with a double effort that narrowly missed the target, while Staphord Odhiambo’s header was well saved to keep the scoreline unchanged. Ulinzi Stars emerged from the break rejuvenated after making a triple substitution, introducing Evans Odhiambo, Joseph Nyale, and Chibato. The changes had an immediate impact as the Soldiers piled on pressure, with Ernest Mohammed pulling off a series of saves to deny Muchiri and Nyale. Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute when Evans Odhiambo rose highest to meet Bonface Muchiri’s cross, powering a header into the net to restore parity. Meanwhile, at Kasarani Annex, Kariobangi Sharks woes continued as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers. Humphrey Aroko scored his 5th goal of the season which was cancelled out by Posta Rangers defender Dinken Mwema,the draw leaves Kariobangi Sharks routed at the bottom end of the table heading into the second half of the season. AFC Leopards returned to the top of the table following a commanding 4-0 victory against Tusker FC in a fixture played at Kasarani Stadium. Ingwe came into the fixture having registered mixed outings from their recent two matches. After beating promoted side Nairobi United 2-0, they suffered a 1-0 defeat against their bogey side Kakamega Homeboyz. Ugandan striker Samuel Ssenyonjo led from the front scoreimg a hat-trick with his first goal coming with only four minutes played. He made it 2-0 ten minutes later when he finished off a cross from James Kinyanjui for a comfortable lead at the half-time break. On resumption, Ssenyonjo turned the provider, setting up Ronald Sichenje to make it 3-0. AFC Leopards was awarded a penalty which Ssenyonjo converted to seal the emphatic win for Ingwe. The win enabled AFC to move top with 30 points amassed from eight wins, six draws, and two defeats. Meanwhile, Tusker dropped to fifth with 24 points from 16 matches. They have won seven matches, drawn three, and lost six in the process. Former champions Gor Mahia surrendered the top spot following a 0-0 draw against Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium. Gor Mahia are now three points behind their sworn rivals AFC Leopards. They have played 14 matches, won eight, drawn three, and lost three.