Ulinzi Stars miss chance to go top after Chemelil loss

Ulinzi Stars missed a chance to move to the summit of the SportPesa Premier League standings after their 2-1 loss to Chemelil Sugar in a charged match at Chemelil Sports Complex on Saturday.

Jaffary Odeny opened the scoring for the hosts in the 44th minute before Kenyan international midfielder Victor Majid doubled their lead from the spot with 16 minutes to stoppage time. Lanky Ulinzi forward Oscar Wamalwa halved the deficit in the 84th minute also from the spot to set up a nervy end to the match but the hosts held on to end their six-match winless run in the league.

After overcoming a slow start unscathed that had seen Ulinzi Stars boss the proceedings Odeny slotted home from close range the soldiers back line allowed him to sneak through.

Daniel Waweru and league top scorer Stephen Waruru both had early chances to give Benjamin Nyangweso's charges the lead, but could not find a way past Jairus Adira in Chemelil's post.

Majid, impressive in midfield, was given the honours extend their lead after Geoffrey Kokoyo handled in the box, beating Jecktone Odhiambo to send the hosts into a frenzy.

Substitute Wamalwa, who had already missed from close range, brought the soldiers back in the game after Benjamin Oketch had committed a foul in the area.

Ulinzi threw more men forward in search for late goals but Willis Ouma and James Omino stood firm.

The win saw Chemelil move into 10th place in the standings while Ulinzi remained second, level on points with third placed Tusker and two behind leaders Gor Mahia - who play on Sunday.