Ulinzi Stars Deny Gor Mahia Chance to Dethrone Kakamega Homeboyz

Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars shared the spoils in a tense SportPesa League encounter at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday afternoon.

There was just one change for Gor Mahia from their previous outing, as Ernest Wendo returned to the starting lineup in place of Samuel Kapen.

Ulinzi Stars, on their side, made three changes Timothy Odhiambo started between the sticks, with Bildad and Otieno marshalling the defence, while Brian Emilio was restored to midfield to strengthen the engine room.

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The hosts started brightly, setting the tempo early as Shariff Musa and Austin Odhiambo combined well in the final third. With the majority of possession in their favour, Gor Mahia pressed high and looked dangerous every time they ventured forward, while Ulinzi Stars were content to absorb the pressure and play on the break.

The early dominance paid off in the sixth minute, when Felix Oluoch calmly slotted home after good build-up play involving  Bryson Wangai. It was a well-crafted move from a set piece that saw Gor Mahia rewarded for their attacking intent and quick passing combinations.

With the goal, Gor continued to dictate the tempo, moving the ball confidently from back to front as Brynne Omondi remained largely untested in goal. But against the run of play, Ulinzi Stars found an equaliser in the 34th minute as  Boniface Muchiri reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and fired past Omondi to make it 1–1.

The equaliser gave Ulinzi belief, and they began to match Gor Mahia’s energy as the first half drew to a close.

After the break, Gor Mahia looked to regain control, and Musa Shariff was at the centre of their attacks.

 In the 52nd minute, he was fouled on the edge of the area, earning a dangerous free kick. Austin Odhiambo delivered a teasing ball into the box, but Ulinzi’s defence stood firm and cleared the danger. 

Moments later, Ulinzi goalkeeper Timothy Odhiambo pulled off a brilliant save to deny Shariff from close range, keeping his side in the contest.

Ulinzi made a change in the 61st minute, bringing on Paul Odhiambo for Enock Ochieng to inject more pace in attack. The visitors began to threaten on the counter, while Gor Mahia continued to dominate possession but struggled to find the final touch in front of goal.

As the match approached its closing stages, both sides pushed for a winner. Felix Obiero came close for Gor Mahia with a low effort that flashed across the face of goal, while Muchiri remained Ulinzi’s main outlet going forward.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, and the contest ended in a 1–1 draw at Kasarani.