Mark Bikokwa was the hero as he scored to ensure Ulinzi Stars continued their dominance over Wester Stima, beating them 2-1 as the Soldiers won once again in Nakuru.Goals from Bikokwa and substitute Masita Masuta were all Ulinzi needed to secure all three points with Laban Otieno scoring the consolation for Western Stima.This was Bikokwa’s second league goal, third in all competitions, for the Soldiers since joining them from Nzoia Sugar in 2016 after scoring in the previous game against Wazito FC at the same venue.⚡ | 41′ Yellow card to Bonface OnyangoWestern Stima 1 Ulinzi Stars 0#StimaVsUlinzi#BKPL pic.twitter.com/s3QRwwNkaJ— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 17, 2021 Western Stima had opened the scoring in the first half through Laban Otieno in the 28 minutes and held onto the lead into the break.Before the goal, Ulinzi Stars had the chance to go ahead in the 19th minute through the returning Enosh Ochieng, who was having his first start since January as he has been away on military duties, but Stima’s custodian Stephen Otieno stood firm to deny him despite having beat Clinton Bulimo.Chasing the game, Ulinzi did all within their ranks to get an equalizer but Abdallah Juma’s men were firm to deny the Soldiers.10 minutes to halftime, defender Brian Birgen floated in a beautiful ball into the area that was met by his fellow defender Bonaventure Muchika but his effort went inches off the target.Boniface Okinyi was the first man in the books of the referee following a dangerous tackle on James Ogada.⚡ | 41′ Yellow card to Bonface OnyangoWestern Stima 1 Ulinzi Stars 0#StimaVsUlinzi#BKPL pic.twitter.com/s3QRwwNkaJ— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 17, 2021 On resumption, Benjamin Nyangweso made changes, resting Ochieng’ and replacing him with Masita Masuta as he sought for an equalizer.It took Masuta only three minutes on coming in as he scored in the 48th minute to level the scores for the Soldiers. It was game on at Nakuru.After the goal, the hosts were subdued and Ulinzi Stars kept launching an attack after the other, with Bikokwa missing the target by inches.Fresh from scoring his debut league goal for Ulinzi, Bikokwa slotted home Elvis Nandwa’s pass to give Ulinzi Stars the lead for the first time in the game, and bag the points for the Soldiers.Stima and water were compatible in this game as the referee called for a water break just minutes after the goal, and Stima rushed to their technical area.The Kisumu-based side did not have much to show for it after that, making change after change but to no effect. Swaleh Mbaruku came in for Edwin Odhiambo before Chinoso Uzoagba replaced the goalscorer Otieno four minutes later.Looking to lock the game, Nyangweso brought combative defensive midfielder Benard Ongoma for the midfield magician for the day Elvis Nandwa.The win sees Ulinzi move to 34 points but remain rooted 10th on the log while Stima are 15th on the log with 18 points, leaving them vulnerable for a drop.
