Ulinzi Stars shoot down Wazito to move second

Former champions Ulinzi Stars yesterday moved into second place in the SportPesa Premier League standings after edging out debutantes Wazito 2-0 at a soggy Ruaraka grounds.

The win helped the soldiers leapfrog Mathare United into second, after the Slum Boys were held to a barren draw by hosts Kakamega Homeboyz in a scrappy match at Bukhungu Stadium.

Second half substitute Masita Masuta struck three minutes from time to add to Elvis Nandwa’s earlier strike as the 2010 champions picked their eighth win of the season.

Wazito coach Frank Ouna, seeking their first win in three games, started with Harambee Stars trialist Pistone Mutamba in attack with Philip Odhiambo keeping his place between the posts.

The soldiers had the first chance, with Nandwa testing Wazito custodian Philip Odhiambo with a rasping shot from close range, but defender Patient Lukige intervened.

Oscar Wamalwa came close just one minute later, but his shot went wide.

The league debutants got their first real chance in the 12th minute, and it was Mutamba who rose high to connect to Dan Owino's corner, but his headed effort went wide.

Wazito seemed to lose steam as the game wore on, allowing the Soldiers lots of space and time to execute their mission.

Nandwa was at the end of two quick headers in the 38th and 43rd minutes, but the first one bounced awkwardly out of the pitch while the second was collected by Odhiambo.

The last chance in the first half fell to Bernard Ongoma who drew a fingertip save from Odhiambo as both teams proceeded to the half time break tied at 0-0.

Shortly after the breather, Ouna withdrew the ineffective Mark Odhiambo and introduced David Osewe in his place, as Dunstan Nyaudo rested Cliff Kasuti for Enosh Ochieng in the Ulinzi side.

Nyaudo then introduced Masuta for Michael Otieno while John Kago gave space for Ibrahim Shambi.

These changes only served to increase the pace of the game and in the 73rd minute, Ochieng left his mark on the right, before finding Shambi inside the box who in turn cut back for Nandwa to head home the opener.

Wazito then capitulated once more on 87 minutes, with Masuta finding the target from Ochieng’s cross.

"If you've watched our matches recently, you'll notice that we are always cautious in the first half then we come out strongly in the second half and that approach has been working for us because you then have a better understanding of your opponent," Nyaudo said after the match.

In Kakamega, 10-man Mathare failed to close in on leaders Gor Mahia after settling for a dour 0-0 draw with Homeboyz while Bandari also settled for a similar scoreline against Posta Rangers in Mombasa.

In Kericho, Shaphan Oyugi cancelled Nicholas Kipkirui’s first half opener as Kariobangi Sharks came from behind to claim a point in a 1-1 draw against Zoo Kericho away.

RESULTS

Zoo Kericho 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks

Bandari 0-0 Posta Rangers

Kakamega Homeboyz 0-0 Mathare United

Nzoia Sugar FC 0-0 Chemelil Sugar

Sony Sugar 0-2 Vihiga United

Wazito FC 0-2 Ulinzi Stars