Ulinzi legend Onyiso loses first game as coach against Tusker

BY RODGERS ESHITEMI

Tusker celebrate the Khalid Aucho goal against Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo National Stadium, yesterday. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO / STANDARD]

Ulinzi Stars gave former international Francis Onyiso a losing start to his reign as an interim coach following their 2-1 defeat to deposed Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker in a physical encounter, at Nyayo National Stadium, yesterday.

This was the Soldiers’ first loss of the season after drawing their last five matches that led to the resignation of immediate former coach Salim Ali a few days ago.

Tusker took the lead in the 19th minute through Clifford Alwanga’s penalty after Ulinzi custodian fouled Andrew Tololwa in the box.

Four minutes later, the visitors could have restored parity but Evans Amwoka’s shot from the right went wide.

Just before the half hour mark, Alwanga cleared Stephen Waruru’s free-kick as the brewers goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo came-off his line to deny Amwoka on a one on one situation in the 35th minute.

But with two minutes to the break,overlapping defender Oliver Rutto combined well with Mulinge Ndetto to set-up Waruru, who met Rutto’s cross with a brilliant header to beat Odhiambo between the posts.

In the second half, both teams created a host of scoring opportunities, but it was the hosts who emerged victorious thanks to Khalid Aucho’s 73rd minute powerful strike.

The Ugandan international received a pass from Governor Jeffery, controlled the ball outside the box and buried his shot past the hapless Ulinzi keeper.

Ulinzi piled pressure in the last quarter of the match, searching for an equalizer with Waruru and Kevin Amwayi finding themselves in scoring positions, but they have themselves to blame for the defeat as their  profligacy upfront denied the visitors a point.

With ten minutes from stoppage time, Francis Kimanzi strengthened his defence, replacing Alwanga with lanky defender Mark Odhiambo, while Onyiso brought in Elvis Nandwa and Lawrence Owino for Amwoka and Amwayi respectively, but the hosts held their nerve secure their fourth win of the season.

The result saw the brewers dislodge Chemelil Sugar from the top of the table following the millers barren draw with AFC Leopards, while Ulinzi dropped down to the 11th spot.   [e-mail]