Ulinzi Stars 1-1 Nairobi City Stars: Ulinzi Stars pick crucial point at home

Geofrey Kokoyo of Ulinzi dribbles past George Abege of City star during the Kenya Premier league at Afraha stadium on 26-07-2014 PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

Ulinzi Stars picked a crucial point at home after being held to a 1-1 draw by Nairobi City Stars at Afraha Stadium on Sarturday.

Coming into this match, the soldiers had beaten Mathare United 2-0 and the fatigue of that encounter was evident during yesterday's tie in which
Dennis Wise Okoth opened the scores in the 24th minute before Stephen Waruru equalised for the home team in the 39th minute.

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano was disapointed by the results but insisted they will bounce back in a big way.

"Coming into this game, we had the confidence considering our mid-week win. However, we did not make use of our chances and it affected us in a big way," he said.

Ulinzi were in command right from the word go with John Nairuka first minute free kick being punched back into play by City Stars' Fredrick Majani who was forced to make another save in the 11th minute when he stretched wide to keep out Evans Amuoka's low range shot.

City Stars got their first clear chance in the 16th minute when George Abege chipped James Saruni in Ulinzi goal but Geoffrey Kokoyo cleared the danger. A minute later, Stephen Waruru was denied by Majani.

In the 24th minute, City Stars went ahead when Dennis Okoth scored the opener. Ulinzi were denied in the 37th minute when David Otieno's goal-bound shot was cleared off the line.

Two minutes later, Stephen Waruru netted the equaliser after capitalising on a defensive mix-up. The result means the two sides have now shared points in both legs having battled to a barren draw in the first leg in Nairobi.

Ulinzi remains seventh on 27 points as City Stars sit 14th with 18 points from 19 matches.