Mark Bikokwa’s goal on 35 minutes was all that Ulinzi Stars needed to start their campaign with a win over Nzoia Sugar in an FKFPL match played at the ASK Grounds in Nakuru on Sunday afternoon. It was the goalkeeper of the year for the ended season, James Saruni who was the hero on the other side of the field for Ulinzi as he saved a Kevin Juma penalty in stoppage time to ensure the Soldiers bagged all three points.Making his debut, Kevin Ouma was solid at the back for Ulinzi and put up a man-of-the-match performance, perhaps just a tip of the iceberg on what was coming in regards to his great performance.It was a good start that the Soldiers’ new coach Stephen Ochola will hope that his team produces more often after the international break.Bikokwa and Masita Masuta started against their former club, with Hillary Simiyu coming in from the bench to play against his some of his former teammates just over a month ago.The teams seemed to be extra cautious in the first half, playing as per the instructions but not committing as much and they went into the water-break on the deadlock after 21 minutes, and with nothing to show from either side.Masuta could have gotten the opener in the 27th minute but he was denied by the bar as his thunderous strike came off the woodwork. The visitors would respond with one of their own three minutes later, just like Masuta’s, when James Kibande’s shot came off the post. Ulinzi were handed a boost in the 35th minute when Bikokwa was brought down in the box by Vincent Mahiga prompting the referee to point to the spot and the forward stepped up to take the resultant spot-kick, making no mistake as he dispatched it into the net to give Ulinzi the lead which they held onto into the break.On resumption, Ochola made a change as he brought in Clinton Omondi and rested Omar Boraafya, a sign that Ulinzi were not yet contented with the one goal.Nzoia responded just before the hour mark, making a double change as Ibrahim Shikanda rested Leonard Kasembeli and Joseph Mwangi and introduced Titus Kapchanga and Hassan Beja in an attempt to chase at least a point.Simiyu came on for Bikokwa to make his debut and had his chances but he could not add to Ulinzi’s tally for the game.Ouma proved what an asset he could be for Ulinzi Stars as he helped the backline absorb any pressure heaped to them by the Millers with so much calmness and composure.Enosh Ochieng’ will have Saruni to thank after he saved him from blushes with a penalty save after the forward handled the ball in his own box just three minutes after coming on as the game was in its last minutes.
