By Festus Chuma,
Nairobi City Stars under Ugandan coach Richard Tamale rose to the occasion by grabbing a well deserved point to hold Ulinzi Stars in one all draw in a Kenya Premier League match played this afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.
City Stars who came in this match as underdogs started in a wrong foot when their defender Luis Masika put the ball in his own net just a minute after kickoff as he despertaly tried to clear a danger outside the penalty box giving the soldiers an early lead.
It was a bad start for the Kawangware based side but two minutes later they almost leveled the score as Flanklyne Osama floated in a fine cross that met Ezekiel Odare who just needed to loop Ulinzi goalkeeper James Saruni.
Ulinzi Stars looked shacky and under pressure despite being in the early lead. It was clear that City Stars were enjoying the game and they were better side than their opponents who enjoyed ball possession.
In the second the soldiers came strong but City Stars absorbed the pressure easily.Ulinzi forced a corner in the first quarter of second half but City Stars goalie Rony Kaguzi was quick to grab the ball and deny Samuel Onyango a chance to double the lead.
Ezekiel Odera remained a thorn on Ulinzi defence and his efforts were rewarded in 80th minute to deny the soldiers maximum points at Nyayo pushing coach Robert Matano to more frustrations in his chase for this seasons KPL title.
Full Sqaud
Nairobi City Stars Starting XI: Ronny Kagunzi, Franklyne Osama, Calvin Masawa, Luis Masika, John Amboko, Peter Mwangi [ Robert Ndung’u 68′], Simon Ogutu, Festo Omukoto, Olivier Maloba, Ezekiel Omulo [Joseph Sakwa 87′], Benson Iregi [ Peter Musiime 60′]
Unsed subs: Geoffrey Atiel, Arthur Museve, Iddy Shikanda, Manase
Ulinzi Stars Starting IX: James Saruni, Brian Birgen, Omar Mbogi, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Benson Sande, Bonface Onyango, Samuel Onyango, John Kago [Churchill Muloma 51′], Enosh Ochieng [Stephen Waruru 88′], John Makwatta, Daniel Waweru [ Ezekiel Otuoma 58′]
Subs: Jacktone Odhiambo, Hassan Mohammed, Cylus Shitotte, Cliff Kasuti