Kenyan Premier League: Ulinzi Stars beat Gor Mahia

 

Gor Mahia Joachim Ochieng (centre) control the ball past Ulinzi Masita Masuta(left) at Nakuru ASK Showground on July 26,2021, (Harun Wathari/Standard)

Ulinzi Stars collected maximum points from a 1-0 victory they picked against defending champions Gor Mahia in a tensioned packed Kenyan Premier League match at ASK Nakuru Showground on Monday.

The all-important goal came in the 19th minute through a header by Alex Khasambuli after he received a perfect cross from left winger Masuta Mangoa from a goal rebound.

Gor missed the services of midfielder maestro Kenneth Muguna who has moved to Tanzanian side Azam United for a two-year contract, which was admitted by Coach Sammy 'Pamzo' omollo.

"Our defeat came as a result of numerous injuries on key players and the departure of midfielder Kenneth Muguna to Tanzania's Azam United has affected us", Omollo told Standard Sports in a post-match interview.

"We'll give our best in the next derby against AFC Leopards and it should be noted, we have never lost easily in a derby," he added.

During the match, Mark Bikokwa should have added the second goal for the soldiers in the 41st minute after being put through by Mosota but Gor custodian Mathews Otieno was too quick to save the situation.

Ulinzi players celebrating at Nakuru ASK Showground on July 26,2021 (Harun Wathari/Standard)

Custodian Otieno had a difficult afternoon in keeping marauding Ulinzi strikers at bay with defender Haroun Shakava overworked at the back in the first half before Gor came back into play in the second half but poor finishing was their main undoing.

Striker Samuel Onyango should have levelled for the defending champions in a solo move in the 39th minute but his attempt was thwarted by Ulinzi custodian James Saruni.