A late own goal denied Ulinzi Stars three crucial points as KCB forced the Soldiers into sharing the spoils
KCB FC battled hard but had to share the spoils with Ulinzi Stars despite creating a flurry of chances in a broadcasted encounter played at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In the tenth minute, the Soldiers were finding rhythm with their pressing game, and it nearly bore fruit, Mark Bikokwa nearly capitalised on a half-chance, but it was not to be.
KCB had an opportunity to take the lead but Ulinzi Stars defender Bonaventure Muchika made a brilliant interception to deny the hosts inside the box.
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14:32 - 21.10.2023
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In the 37th minute, Hanif Wesonga was lucky to escape without a red card after he appeared to foul Mark Bikokwa when through on goal professionally, but the referee gave him a caution.
Boniface Muchiri was unable to convert the resultant spot-kick. Both teams were locked in a barren draw heading into the break
Ulinzi started brightly in the second half when the evergreen Mark Bikokwa beat a defender and shot from the edge of the box but his effort went inches wide.
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11:00 - 21.10.2023
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Another chance went begging for KCB in the 58th minute when Francis Kahiro had left two Ulinzi Stars defenders for dead, before attempting a left-footed shot that forced Ulinzi Keeper Stephen Ochieng into making an excellent save.
The biggest chance of the match came in the 73rd minute. Apollo Otieno found Steven Etyang who was hugging the right flank, before releasing right back Kevin Omondi on the overlap.
Omondi then cut inside with the ball before expertly setting the ball on a plate to substitute Derrick Otanga, but the 2021/2022 top scorer hit the ball way over the bar.
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17:29 - 21.10.2023
FOOTBALL Sofapaka disarm Kenya Police to secure first win of the season
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In the 76th minute, Bikokwa, who was their biggest threat all afternoon, released yet another ferocious shot which forced Gabriel Andika into making an excellent save after he had combined well with Muchiri outside the edge of the area.
The Bankers would be made to pay for failing to take their chances as in the 84th minute, Bikokwa’s perseverance bore fruit when left back Shannel Makwata delivered a dangerous cross from near the byline before Bikokwa headed the ball home.
Ulinzi could not hang on to their lead though, as left-back Herit Mungai restored parity for the hosts in the 90th minute as the Bankers refused to give up.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
How they lined up:
Ulinzi Stars: Ochieng Stephen, Birgen Brian , Makwata Shannel, Muchika Bonventure, Masinde Alex, Ominde Faraj , Shambi Ibrahim, Ochieng Enosh, Muchiri Boniface, Omondi Stanley
KCB: Andika Gabriel, Okumu Kevin, Atariza Herit, Wesonga Haniff, Nanyendo Nashon, Ndenga Brian, Kennedy Ochino , Otieno Apollo, Kahiro Francis, Otieno Derrick, Etyang Stephen
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