Kariobangi Sharks' goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa thwarts a threat from Ulinzi Stars' Paul Okoth as Faiz Opande looks on/HANDOUTUlinzi Stars head coach Danstun Nyaudo has applauded his side for climbing to the summit of the Kenyan Premier League after collecting a point in their midweek fixture, but he did not shy away from criticising his forwards for wasteful finishing.
The soldiers held Kariobangi Sharks to a barren draw at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Wednesday, a result that still lifted them to the top thanks to a 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal over the weekend. Speaking after the match, Nyaudo praised his players’ resilience. “We showed discipline, tactical awareness, and hunger to stay top,” Nyaudo said.
“The lads fought for every ball and defensively we were solid. Collecting four points in such a short turnaround is not easy, so I am proud of them.”
However, the former Harambee Stars assistant coach did not spare his misfiring attackers.
“We created enough chances to win comfortably, but our finishing was blunt,” Nyaudo added. “At this level, you cannot afford to be generous in front of goal. If we want to remain on top, we must be clinical. Football rewards goals, not possession.”
Nyaudo highlighted a near-miss early in the second half when skipper Brian Birgen whipped a fantastic cross to Paul Okoth, whose header went inches wide.
“That was a turning point,” Nyaudo said. “Okoth did everything right until the finish. Small margins like that decide titles.”
Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya felt his side had done enough to snatch all three points but accepted the draw.
“We controlled large spells of the game,” Muluya remarked. “Our midfield dictated tempo and defensively we restricted Ulinzi Stars to half-chances. But when you fail to convert, you leave with a single point.”
Muluya was quick to highlight the positives. “This is a young team still finding rhythm,” he said. “Two points in two matches is not where we want to be, but performances like this give us belief. The league is a marathon, and I trust the boys to turn these draws into wins.”
The match saw physical exchanges and flashes of quality despite the absence of goals. In the 79th minute, Ulinzi’s Felix Otieno picked up the game’s first yellow card for a reckless challenge on Sharks’ winger Kennedy Onyango. Moments later, Sharks’ forward Markvivan Kesa forced Ulinzi keeper Stephen Ochieng into a fingertip save, sparking groans from the home crowd.
Both sides failed to take advantage of set pieces and frustration grew among the supporters.
Ulinzi’s backline, marshalled by Birgen, absorbed pressure with composure, while Sharks’ midfield trio of Imala Ekhavi, Patilla Omoto and Steve Mbulere dictated tempo for large periods.
Nyaudo admitted that Sharks tested his tactical adjustments. “They pressed us high, and we had to be patient,” Nyaudo explained. “Sharks are a good side under Muluya. They move the ball quickly and make you chase. But titles are won on nights like these—when you grind out points even on off days.”
Muluya, for his part, praised his players’ commitment.
“We neutralised Ulinzi’s wide play,” he noted. “Our defenders blocked crosses and stayed compact. The missing ingredient was finishing. If we convert even one of our chances, the story tonight is different.”
The result means Ulinzi Stars sit top of the table with four points, followed by Shabana, KCB, Posta Rangers and Bidco United, who have three points each.
Sharks remain sixth with two points after two matches.
