SOLDIERS SHOOT DOWN SLUM BOYS: Ulinzi Stars back to winning ways as they ambush Mathare United at Afraha

ULINZI BEATS MATHARE 2-1 IN NAKURU
Disappointed  Mathare united players leaving the pitch after being beaten 2-1 by ulinzi stars during the  Kenya premier league match at Afraha stadium in Nakuru on May 27,2015.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Ulinzi Stars got back to winning ways yesterday as they gunned down a stubborn Mathare United 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League match played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
The soldiers scored two fast goals, a result that dampened the fighting spirit of the Slum Boys, who had earlier shown the fight of winning at the home of the soldiers.

Ulinzi Captain Steve Ocholla drew the first blood for the soldiers in the 13th minute, bundling in from a corner kick taken by dangerman John Nairuka.

Five minutes later, Nairuka was first to a loose ball before passing it to Kevin Amwayi, who beat Mathare United custodian Peter Odhiambo with a rasping shot to the chagrin of his defenders, who had earlier tried in vain to clear the danger.

The consolation goal for the Nairobi-based side came in the 47th minute through Erick Johana who unleashed a 21-metre powerful drive that was misjudged by Ulinzi custodian James Saruni who was to be later replaced by Finus Odhiambo after picking up a knee injury.

A minute later, Johana who also scored in the 2-1 victory over Western Stima should have leveled for the Slum Boys but his well taken shot was blocked by Ulinzi defender Oliver Ruto.

Earlier, Mathare United centreback George Owino also went close with a powerful bicycle kick that narrowly missed the target in the 38th minute with custodian Saruni well beaten.
Amwayi later led an attack for the hosts after a good move initiated by Nairuka in the 44th minute but it bore no fruits.

Mathare defenders Owino, Edgar Ochieng’ and David Mwangi had a busy afternoon as they tried to repel attacks from Amwayi, Nairuka and John Makwata who was later replaced by Ezekiel Otuoma.

Mathare United coach Stanley Okumbi admitted the two early goals demoralised his players from their early strategy of containing the soldiers.

FIGHTING SPIRIT

“Yes, we lost to a better side but it is the two quick goals and fatigue from our long trip from Mombasa to Nairobi and then to Nakuru in less than 72 hours that affected our fighting spirit,” Okumbi told FeverPitch in a post-match interview.

“We are going to do all in our means to collect maximum points in our next match,” he promised. Mathare United face AFC Leopards on Monday.

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano complimented his strikers for finding their scoring touch compared to previous matches.

“They (strikers) tried today although it was a tough match but I believe our sharpness will improve with matches to come,” he said.