Ulinzi Stars rally from behind to beat Nakuru Allstars

ULINZI VS NAKURU ALLSTARS John Makwata of Ulinzi stars dribbles past Josphat Oyugi of Nakuru All-stars during the match at Afraha stadium in Nakuru on 02-08-2015,Ulinzi won 3-0PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

Nakuru All Stars defender Amon Muchiri was sent off for indecency in the second half as Ulinzi Stars came from two goals down to defeat Nakuru AllStars 3-2 in a pulsating Nakuru derby in the Kenya Premier League.

Nakuru AllStars took a 2-0 half time lead through a 17th minute strike by former Sofapaka striker Lwamba Mulondwa from a cross by Boniface Akenga, who beat Ulinzi custodian James Saruni with a rasping shot. The second goal came through the effort of speedy John Ndirangu in the 34th minute from a goalmouth melee.

Ulinzi Stars, who may have underrated their opponents from the first whistle went to the dressing room a disjointed side forcing coach Robert Matano to bench Collins Ochieng, John Makwata and Evans Amuoka for Ezekiel Otuoma, Enos Ochieng and Job Muhati respectively before resumption. The drastic changes resulted in John Nairuka reducing the deficits for the soldiers with a 55th minute strike, a goal that increased the fighting momentum for the Lanet-based side.

Seven minutes later, another substitute Enos Ochieng equalized for the soldiers after being put through by Evans Amuoka.

Ochieng (Enos) ,who had a good afternoon leading unending raids at Nakuru Allstars’ goalmouth was on the mark again in the 75th minute to save the soldiers their blushes.
Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano admitted having conceded easy goals from the inclusion of defenders Hassan Mohammed and Anthony Muriithi who have had a long lay-off.

“Despite that, we managed to correct our mistakes and came out victorious in the second half,” Matano told reporters in a post-match interview.

Peter Okidi of Nakuru All Stars blamed the referee for biased officiating claiming Ulinzi’s third goal was scored from an offside position.