Ulinzi Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by Mathare United in a Kenya Premier League encounter at the Afraha Stadium on Saturday evening.
Cliff Nyakeya nearly got the early lead for slum boys in the seventh minute after he was sent clear on goal by Daniel Mwaura but his shot from just outside the box sailed over the bar.
In the 11th minute, Nyakeya had a chance after making a blind run on the right side of the box and decided to have a snap-shot that could not find the target.
The army men got back into the match in the 26th minute with Cliff Kasuti proving hard to close down on the right wing, cutting inside with his favoured left foot while Masita Masuta was winning the second balls but they could not find the final pass.
Francis Omondi was sent clear in the 34th minute on the right side of the box and setup the on-rushing Daniel Mwaura inside the box but Oliver Ruto made a timely intervention to clear the danger.
Francis Kimanzi’s charges enjoyed a good spell of attacking football going into the halftime break but the home side were resolute at the back and the half ended goalless.
Daniel Waweru should have found the back of the net a minute into the second half following a pin-point cross from Masita Masuta but he could not find the target with a free-header and the net gaping.
On the other end Churchill Muloma had the ball in the back of the net in the 65th minute, but the linesman had his flag raised for offside.
Bernard Ongoma nearly found the opening goal in the 72nd minute with a header inside the box but his effort sailed slightly over the crossbar following a cross from Cliff Kasuti.
Seda almost found the breakthrough four minutes before time for Slumsboys with a free-kick that forced Timothy Odhiambo into a fine save.
Army men were finding gaps behind the Mathare’s defence on counter-attacks but Omar Bongi played superbly as a sweeper-keeper to keep the visitors at bay.
Ahmad nearly stole it at the death for Mathare with a low shot after going through on goal but Odhiambo did well to make a save at close range as the sides had to settle for a share of the points.
Ulinzi Starting XI: Timothy Odhiambo (GK), Brian Birgen, Oliver Ruto, Omar Mbongi, George Omondi, Bernard Ongoma, Cliff Kasuti, Churchill Muloma, Daniel Waweru, Justin Onounga, Masita Masuta.
Mathare Starting XI; Robert Mboya, Samuel Olwande, David Owino, George Owino, Edward Seda, Francis Omondi, Cliff Nyakeya, Chrispin Oduor, John Mwangi, Clifford Alwanga,Daniel Mwaura
Other KPL Saturday results:
Chemelil Sugar 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks
Nzoia Sugar 0-1 Nakumatt
Wazito FC 0-0 Kakamega Homeboyz
