Kenyan Premier League: Ulinzi defeat Stima, now Gor need one win

Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano on the touchline their KPL match against Sofapaka FC at City Stadium on May 31, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Ulinzi Stars defeated Western Stima 2-0 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match yesterday at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

John Makhwata and Enos Ochieng scored a goal each for the soldiers as they picked maximum points to move to 47 points on the log, thus delaying Gor Mahia’s celebrations of being crowned champions with six matches left.

Stima looked the more determined side after coach Henri Omino promised to end Ulinzi’s chase and his side managed to restrict their opponents to a barren draw in the first half.

But on resumption, Ulinzi Stars were stronger and went ahead at the hour mark when Makwata netted the opener. Five minutes later, Enosh Ochieng added the second.

Speaking afterwards, Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano praised his players for a wonderful display and said the result has placed them in a good finishing position.

“Our players had match fitness and gave their best especially after finishing second during the East Africa Millitary games. This result has put us in a good position,” he said.

Elsewhere, Thika United captain Dennis Odhiambo has denied that the players could have frustrated former coach Tim Byrett.

Byrett resigned three weeks ago after a series of poor results, but the team bounced back to winning ways immediately stand-in-coach John Irungu took over.

“There have been a lot of false reports on social media that perhaps we frustrated the former coach. That is not true. The playing unit gave him their best, but things just did not work out as expected,” he said.

“He (Irungu) has been with us from a long time, so we understand one another well.”