Gor Mahia held by Ulinzi, but remain top of the league

Image: Ulinzi Stars

FKFPL Gor Mahia held by Ulinzi, but remain top of the league

Festus Chuma 15:00 - 18.02.2023

Nzoia spurned the chance to claim the top spot after being held to a one-all stalemate by Posta.

Ulinzi Stars and Gor Mahia played out a 1-1 draw in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clash at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

As a result, Gor Mahia remained at the top of the league table, while Ulinzi Stars remained seventh on the log.

K'Ogalo were the better side in the game's opening stages, and they nearly scored just five minutes into the game.

Benson Omala found some space outside the Ulinzi box and he forced goalkeeper Rick Matthews to produce a fine save.

The visitors continued to fire warning shots at Ulinzi as an unmarked Austin Odhimabo missed the target from close range with a header.

Gor Mahia coaches were forced to make an injury-inspired substitution in the 11th minute when Paul Ochuoga went out with what looked like a head injury, and Philemon Otieno came on.

Ulinzi had the first chance at goal in the 13th minute of the contest when Joshua Onyango forced Gad Mathews to a save.

Gor Mahia went ahead in the 15th minute when Ulinzi defender Boniface Muchika guided the ball into the back of his net to the visitor's good fortune.

The hosts had a great chance for an equalizer from close range just after the half-hour mark, but somehow Stephen Etyang missed the target.

Gor Mahia were leading 1-0 during the half-time break following an entertaining first half.

Image: Ulinzi Stars

Ulinzi Stars had an early chance in the second half when a cross from the right picked out Boniface Muchiri at the far post, but he could not control the ball with his chest, and the opportunity went begging.

On the hour mark, some nice build-up play by the away side saw Boniface Andayi in a bit of space outside the box, but he struck it very well but could only find the side netting.

Image: Ulinzi Stars

Ten minutes later, second-half substitute Boniface Omondi had space to carry the ball up the pitch before finding Omala out wide, and the striker cut inside and shot with his left foot, but his effort was tame and easily saved by Ricks Omondi.

Ulinzi continued to chip away at Gor Mahia and they finally broke through in the 75th minute. K'Ogalo failed to properly clear a free kick, Boniface Muchiri sent in a high cross five meters from the right by-line, and Masita Masuta rose high to head in from the middle of the penalty area to make it 1-1.

The Soldiers got stronger after the equalizer, controlled possession of the ball, as well as restricting Gor Mahia in the attack.

However, Gor Mahia had a chance to wrap up proceedings in the closing stages of the game , but George Odhimabo failed to find the back of the net with Benson Omala in no man's land. 

How they lined up:

Ulinzi Stars: Ricks Omondi, Brian Birgen, Omar Bongi,Boniface Andayi, Bonventure Muchika, Bernard Ongoma, Stephen Etyang, John Kayo, Masita Masuta, Staphan Odhiambo, Boniface Muchiri.

Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews, Paul Ochhoga, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Dennis Njire, Ernest Wendo, Sydney Ochieng, Austin Odhiambo, George 'Berry' Odhiambo, John Macharia, Benson Omalla