Boniface Muchiri Inspires Ulinzi Stars to Forces Derby Win as Kenya Police Title Hopes Take a Hit

Boniface Muchiri. IMAGE/ Ulinzi Stars

Boniface Muchiri Inspires Ulinzi Stars to Forces Derby Win as Kenya Police Title Hopes Take a Hit

Festus Chuma 14:50 - 18.04.2025

Ulinzi Stars secured a crucial win over Kenya Police in a tense FKF Premier League clash that may shift the title momentum.

Ulinzi Stars recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Kenya Police in an FKF Premier League match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

The victory saw Ulinzi climb to 12th on the league standings, while Kenya Police remained at the top despite the defeat. However, the loss puts them in an awkward position, as second-placed Tusker now have a game in hand and are just one point behind, intensifying the title race.

Kenya Police enjoyed the better of the chances in the early minutes. They tested the Ulinzi Stars defense as early as the second minute with a speculative effort, and around the quarter-hour mark, they came close again but were denied by a solid stop from Ulinzi goalkeeper Ismail Emuria.

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Emuria was called into action again in the 25th minute, keeping out a sharp effort following a dangerous free kick as Kenya Police continued to assert their dominance.

However, shortly after that moment, Kenya Police were forced to make an early change in the 26th minute. Tyson Otieno came on to replace Kenneth Muguna, who appeared to be struggling.

Ulinzi Stars began to find their footing after the 30-minute mark, pushing forward and forcing Job Ochieng, the Kenya Police goalkeeper, into a couple of decent saves, including efforts from midfield pressure and a long-range strike.

The second half resumed with high intensity, and it was Ulinzi Stars who came back strong after the break—and their pressure paid off. The star-boy Boniface Muchiri had the ball in the back of the net after a brilliant pass from Yusuf Mutheli, giving Ulinzi the lead against the run of play.

Despite Ulinzi Stars’ taking an early lead, it was Kenya Police who continued to look the more likely to get an equalizer dominating possession and piling on pressure as the second half progressed.

At the half-hour mark, Kenya Police were forced to make three changes, bringing on David Irishura, David Simiyu, and Alvin Mang’eni for Clinton Kinanga, Francis Kahata, and Tyson Otieno.

Adid Simiyu's curling free-kick was pushed away by Emuria in the 69th minute and at the other end, Abud Omar forced keeper Job Ochieng into making a smart diving save with 19 minutes left on the clock.

Kenya Police were determined to grab their equaliser in order to get back into the match. However, Emuria was in his element as the Ulinzi Stars shot-stopper pulled off good saves to deny Irishura, Simiyu, and Mang’eni and ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 victory in favour of Ulinzi Stars.

How they lined up:

Kenya Police XI: Job Ochieng, Baraka Badi, Abud Omar, Charles Ouma, David Ochieng, Brian Musa, David Okoth, Marvin Nabwire, Clinton Kinanga, Kenneth Muguna, Francis Kahata

Ulinzi Stars: Ismail Emuria, Fredrick Otieno, Ali Shaib, Amos Samunya, Francis Oduor, John Ochieng, Yusuf Mutheli, Ian Lumumba, Mark Karani, Samuel Odhiambo, Boniface Muchiri