A late Bernard Ongoma header was enough for Ulinzi Stars to leapfrog AFC Leopards to eighth on the SportPesa Premier League log following a 1-0 victory over stubborn Nzoia Sugar on Monday.
Elsewhere, after that roller coaster 3-3 draw against champions Gor Mahia where they spurned a 3-0 lead last time out, KCB banked maximum points when they battled to a 2-0 victory over basement side Mt. Kenya United in the other league clash of the day.
Ulinzi Stars FC 1-0 Nzoia Sugar
At the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Ongoma jumped the highest to bury a George Omondi cross in the 85th minute to decide a contest that seemed destined for a draw.
The winner came two minutes after Nzoia threatened to steal the maximum when David Wanjala’s devious free-kick skimmed off the crossbar.
Following their victory in Machakos, Frank Ouna’s side are now 11th on 34 points, one adrift of Kariobangi Sharks above them in the standings.
Ulinzi, the 2010 champions Ulinzi extended their tally to 39, two above Leopards and level with Tusker, who are only ahead on goal difference.
With six games still to play, Mt Kenya remain rooted to the bottom on 19 points and look all but doomed after a miserable season that has seen the cash-strapped side (formerly Nakumatt FC) fail to pay their players since last year, while Nzoia (32) sunk to 13th but with two games in hand over most of their rivals.
KCB 2-0 Mt Kenya
The opening goal at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos was scored in the 62nd minute by reliable winger Kennedy Owino, when he latched onto a Bolton Omwenga corner.
Second half substitute and former Leopards striker – Ezekiel Odera, scored a controversial goal in the 79th minute to double the bankers’ advantage and seal the result.
Mt Kenya players led by goalkeeper Philip Odhiambo protested the decision, claiming a couple of KCB players were offside but the referee stood by his decision and after some stoppage, the game proceeded to its conclusion.
Martin Nderitu was first on target for the bankers with a well taken right-footer effort which Odhiambo easily dealt with.
KCB full back Omwenga, who is slowly becoming a dead ball specialist, tested the keeper again two minutes later from a free kick but he punched it away to safety.
In the 22nd, the bankers turned up the heat and Benson Amianda did well on the left flank to square it for Nderitu, who took a great first touch but blasted his shot over.
There was a delay in the match as Brian Ochieng landed awkwardly, needing medical attention.
There were loud shouts for a KCB penalty two minutes to the break when Amianda looked to have been pulled down in the box but the referee waved play on.
Gabriel Mugabo was next to be cautioned in first half stoppage time when he pulled down the speedy Wanyonyi.
Courtesy Sportpesa News
