Kariobangi Sharks have stretched their recent winless run to five matches after bowing 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars in the penultimate league match of the season played at Kasarani Annex on Saturday.Bonaventure Muchika settled the contest after finding the back of the net in the first half when his half volley kissed the back of the net to inspire his side back to winning ways after recording three successive barren fraws.Ulinzi made an electric start in the hunt for the three points, setting camp at the Sharks area but rarely made good of their threat to grab the lead as the defence stood tall. The pressure from the soldiers barred Sharks from executing their trademark style of play that ordinarily given power playing opponents trouble in containing them. The absence of Patilah Omoto in the Sharks midfield was felt throughout as the link between the defence and the forward line was wanting, limiting the options invading the Ulinzi area to the flanks. Although Ulinzi were the better side in the first quarter of the game, the side did not create any meaningful attempt on target so are Sharks who grew into life as the clock continued to tick. Douglas Mokaya flapped a clear cut chance of giving Sharks the lead in the 27th minute as he casually skied the ball from close range that was easier to tap in after Geoffrey Onyango had squared the ball right to his feet. Sharks were made to pay for the wasted chance when the unusual goal scorer in Muchika volleyed home in the box, catching the goalkeeper Brandon Obiero flat footed to give Ulinzi the lead. The centre back had made way out his territory in a bid to head in a freekick from Daniel Waweru but had to use his feet to send home the second ball after the defence had headed out the initial one. Sharks tried to react to the goal conceded with Julius Masaba and Erick Mata who were unsuccessful in sneaking the ball past James Saruni who was equal to the task. Clinton Omondi would have doubled the lead for Ulinzi in the 41st minute but hit the a rebound off the target with an open net at his mercy as the goalkeeper was down trying to save the initial attempt from Mark Bikokwa. The half time pep talk from coach William Muluya appeared to yield fruits as Sharks came out guns blazing in the second half in a bid to level matters but Ulinzi held off the pressure. The visitors rung the first change in the 63rd minute where Masita Masuta paved way for Julius Okutu as Nyangweso sought to add punch in the forward line. Bikokwa thought he had doubled the lead for Ulinzi two minutes later when he looped the ball into an empty net but the linesman flag cut short his celebration. Sharks continued with their onslaught for the equalizer with the introduction of Frédérick Alushula for Masaba injecting more spark on the right wing as the full back whipped in a couple of crossed and made runs that troubled the defence. Mata wasted an open chance in the 82nd minute when he beat his markers but his attempted chip over Saruni kissed the woodwork on its way out.Desperate to salvage at least a point from the game, the youthful side threw everything to the Ulinzi goal but the human wall worked overtime to shield Saruni who also made decent sides up to the final whistle.Kariobangi Sharks Brandon Obiero, Tom Teka, Samuel Olwande, Boniface Onyango, John Omondi, Geoffrey Onyango, Issa Lumumba, Douglas Mokaya, Julius Masaba (Frédérick Alushula 66), Fortune Omoto, Erick MataSubstitutes John Otieno, Ken Kyalo, Isaac Wasambo, Mathew Kibiwott, Reagan Odede, Ziyadi Kiwanuka, Ulinzi Stars James Saruni, Byron Odiaga, Glen Wafula, Bonventure Muchika, Harun Mwale, Boniface Onyango, John Kago, Clinton Omondi, Daniel Waweru, Mark Bikokwa (Antonio Abwao 78), Masita Masuta (Julius Okutu 63)Substitutes Jacktone Odhiambo, Shannel Makwata, Katana Mukangi, Enosh Ochieng, Kevin Thairu, Stephen Etyang, Ezekiel Nyati
