Blog | Page 162 | Nairobi City Stars

15 Jan 2021

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Salim 'Shitu' Abdalla looks on in Nairobi City Stars Premier League opener against Nzoia Sugar FC on Sun 29 Nov 2020. City Stars won 2-0. Shitu was named MVP for Simba wa Nairobi

Minimal changes against Ulinzi Stars

Patrick January 15, 2021

Two defenders Salim Shitu Abdalla and Edwin Buliba have been ruled out of the upcoming clash against Ulinzi Stars to be held at Utalii Grounds on Saturday 16 January 2021 starting 3pm.

Shitu, who clocked all minutes in the seven opening games of the season, was ruled out due to an ankle injury picked from the last tie against Posta Rangers at Kasarani last Friday.

Buliba, a defensive cover, picked a thigh strain in the course of the week forcing him out of the upcoming duel to miss out on the squad for the first time this season.

As Shitu and Buliba stay out, defensive minded John Bombay Kamau and Charles Chale Otieno who were onboarded for the opening game of the year against Wazito, have been drafted back to the squad.

Both Kamau and Chale fell off the squad that faced Rangers; Chale due to a returning wrist injury.

Save for the those changes, the rest of the squad remains the same.

Squad to face Ulinzi Stars

16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 27. Azizi Okaka, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 10. Peter Opiyo, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 30. Anthony Kimani, 21. Oliver Maloba, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 18. Sven Yidah, 20. Timothy Ouma,22. Wycliffe Otieno, 24. Erick Ombija, 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 3. Charles Otieno, 15. John Kamau

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 4. Salim Abdalla (injury), 12. Edwin Buliba (thigh injury), 8. Calvin Masawa (thigh injury), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)

15 Jan 2021

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Head to Head: Nairobi City Stars (H) vs Ulinzi Stars (A)

Patrick January 15, 2021

Utaliii Grounds will be the venue when Nairobi City Stars face off with Ulinzi Stars in a round eight Premier League game on Saturday 16 January 2021 starting 3pm.

From the archives, the two have met 22 times over 11 straight seasons from 2006 to when Nairobi City Stars got relegated in 2016.

22 previous KPL games

In the 22 games Ulinzi Stars calls the tune having won eight games and lost just twice. The remaining 12 games ended in draws.

Half of the games have been hosted by Simba wa Nairobi and the records of 11 home games reads; one win for City Stars, five loses and as many draws.

In their first ever meeting back on 29 Jan 2006 at Nyayo Stadium, a Robert Matano coached City Stars then known as World Hope, received a 5-1 drubbing.

Ulinzi led 3-0 at half time with goals from Tom Ogweno, Elvis Ayany and Vincent Onyango. They then added two more in the final minutes through George Otieno and Sammy Simiyu, goals that came on either side of what became a consolation from Francis Thairu.

In their last meeting in mid July 2016, the two sides tied 1-1 at Nyayo Stadium. A late Ezekiel Odera strike forced even-stevens by cancelling out a Luis Masika first minute own goal.

City Stars’ only home win over Ulinzi was registered at Hope Centre back on 20 April 2008. Dennis Wise Okoth and Silas Aluvisia scored on either half to hand coach John Bobby Ogola a 2-1 win as Ulinzi grabbed a late consolation from Francis Ochieng.

Coaches and venues

Though City Stars will host Ulinzi Stars for the 12th time in the top league, the upcoming game will be the first ever at Utalii grounds as the previous 11 meetings were hosted at Hope Centre (4 games), Nyayo Stadium (3), City Stadium (3) and Ruaraka (1).

Simba wa Nairobi will be led to the match by Bosnian Sanjin Alagic who will become 12th manager to lead the Kawangware based side against the soldiers after Robert Matano, John Bobby Ogola, Oliver Page, Ken Odhiambo, Gideon Ochieng, Charles Korea Omondi, Nigerian Robinson Ndubuisi, Gabriel Kingi Njoroge and Ugandan Richard Tamale Pinto

Which way?

Keep tuned to our social media channels for an update on the game from Utalii grounds

Summary

KPL Games: 22

Home games: 11 (City Stars – 1 win, Ulinzi Stars – 5 wins, 5 draws)

Home games

29-Jan-06: World Hope vs Ulinzi Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-5 (L)

12-May-07: World Hope vs Ulinzi Stars, Hope Centre, 2-3 (L)

20-Apr-08, World Hope vs Ulinzi Stars, Hope Centre, 2-1 (W)

18-Apr-09: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, City Stadium, 0-0 (D)

18-Jul-10: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, City Stadium, 1-1 (D)

22-May-11: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, City Stadium, 1-2 (L)

15-Apr-12: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 0-0 (D)

27-Jul-13: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, Hope Centre, 0-1 (L)

8-Mar-14: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, Hope Centre, 0-0 (D)

12-Jul-15: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, Ruaraka, 0-2 (L)

16-Jul-16: City Stars vs Ulinzi Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-1 (D)

08 Jan 2021

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Nairobi City Stars — City Stars striker Erick Ombija goes for the ball in a 7th round Premier League tie against Posta Rangers at Kasarani on Fri 8 Jan 2021. The game ended 1-1

Spoils shared against Rangers

Patrick January 8, 2021

Nairobi City Stars came from behind to tie Posta Rangers 1-1 in a seventh round Premier League clash played at Kasarani (outer) on Friday 8 January 2021.

Peter Pinchez Opiyo scored in the 54th minute for Nairobi City Stars to cancel out a 45th minute goal by Jackson Dwang to confirm a share of spoils against Posta Rangers for the sixth time in nine Premier League games since 2010.

Posta Rangers survived close shaves in the first quarter thanks to deft goalkeeping from Jairus Adira.

He had a triple save in the sixth minute denying Erick Ombija who sniffed at goal after connecting to an inch perfect delivery from Pinchez. Follow up rebounds from skipper Anthony Muki Kimani and one more by Pinchez were all stopped by the keeper.

The near misses set the tone for the game and just a minute later Pinchez attempted a near post shot off a corner that Adira once again stopped as well as a 13th minute connection from Sven Yidah off a Herit Mungai pass from the left.

Steve Njunge in City Stars was called to action five minutes after when he dived the right way to force a fruitless corner off a Dennis Oalo pile driver from a distance.

From the half hour mark Rangers gained momentum in the game and in the 35th minute Dwang had an attempt on goal only for his header to go straight to Njunge’s arms.

A minute later Rangers skipper Joseph Mbugi sent homeward a long ranger only to weave wide at the far post.

Three minutes on Dwang also had a similar attempt and the result was the same. He was not to be denied at the stroke of half time when he directed a Francis Nambute cross home from a tight angle for the opening goal.

Nine minutes into the second half stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla skied a shot. Just two minutes later it was all even when Erick Ombija powered a header goalward that Rangers keeper spilled for Pinchez to burry home the leveler. He could have registered his brace just two minutes later but Adira came out tops to stop his goal bound shot.

Davis Agesa, on for Azizi Okaka at half time, had a header sent out for a corner at the hour mark as City Stars continued to pile on the pressure.

Rangers had a glorious chance to double their scores had Njunge not tipped a fine cross from the left by Elvis Osok in the 80th minute. A series of corners for Rangers followed in the dying minutes but to avail.

The game was to end with a bizarre incident as Adira knocked down City Stars substitute Rodgers Okuse Okumu way out of his area to be served a second yellow in the game and marching orders. He had been booked earlier on in the 53rd minute for time wasting.

A freekick off that incident saw Agesa’s header from Pinchez’s dead ball fly marginally wide bringing the game to an end.

With the point earned, City Stars moved to the nine point mark but still maintain fifth spot as Rangers remain tenth with five points from as many successive draws.

Next up for City Stars is a game against Ulinzi Stars in Nairobi on Saturday 16 January 2021.

Lineups

Posta Rangers: 21. Jairus Adira (29. Bryne Omondi – 90+5), 3. Timothy Omondi, 22. Elvis Osok, 41. Dickens Mwema, 26. Osman Ngotho, 4. Joseph Mbugi, 12. Francis Nambute (31. Georson Likonoh,-65), 27. Clinton Kisiavuki (11. Eliud Lokuwam-81), 39. Ezekiel Okare, 10. Jackson Dwang (30. Simon Omondi – 90+5), 7. Dennis Oalo (6. Cavin Odongo-81)

Unused subs: 40. Charles Odete, 28. Emmanuel Pala, 8. Peter Ngángá, 14. Bill Oporia

Coach: Pascal Ochieng

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 10. Peter Opiyo, 18. Sven Yidah (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-90), 30. Anthony Kimani (32. Ezekiel Odera-90), 27. Azizi Okaka (11. Davis Agesa-46), 21. Oliver Maloba (7. Rodgers Okumu -71), 24. Erick Ombija

Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 12. Edwin Buliba, 20. Timothy Ouma

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 3. Charles Otieno (arm pain), 8. Calvin Masawa (ankle injury), 15. John Kamau, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)

Coach: Sanjin Alagic

Yellow cards: Jackson Dwang-35, Elvis Osok-81, Jairus Adira -53, 90+5 (All Posta Rangers)

Match Officials: Dr. Peter Waweru Kamaku (Centre Ref), Okoth (Match Comm), Gilbert Cheruiyot (AR1), Samuel Kuria (AR2), Israel (Fourth Official)

City Stars midfielder Oliver Maloba on the ball in a 7th round Premier League tie against Posta Rangers at Kasarani on Fri 8 Jan 2021. Rangers captain Joseph Mbugi looks on

Kenedy ”Vidic’ Onyango takes on a Posta Rangers player during a 7th round Premier League game on Fri 8 Jan 2021 at Kasarani

Salim ‘Shitu’ Abdalla keeps tabs on Posta Rangers winger Eliud Lokuwam during a 7th round Premier League game on Fri 8th Jan 2021 at Kasarani. The game ended 1-1

08 Jan 2021

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Osano, Onguso in for Rangers clash

Patrick January 8, 2021

Entry of keeper Jacob Osano and left back Wesley Onguso Arasa are part of four changes effected to the 20-man squad named to face Posta Rangers in a round seven Premier League game set for Kasarani on Friday 8 January 2021 starting 3pm.

After missing out on the first six games into the Premier League season, Osano and Onguso have made it to the match day and are in search for their debut top flight games for Simba wa Nairobi.

Osano missed the initial games largely due to sickness and will now take up the place of teenage keeper Elvis Ochoro who has been acting as the understudy for Steve Njunge.

Onguso has been onboarded to contest a place against his former employers Rangers of overall team captain Calvin Masawa who suffered an ankle injury in training in the lead up to the game.

Till his injury setback, Masawa had made the squad for all the games into the season.

A third change sees the return of dependable forward Davis Agesa Amuyunzu sat out the last three games against Bidco United, Vihiga United and Wazito due to illness. He takes up the place of midfielder Charles Chale Otieno who was forced out due to a swollen arm.

The final change is on flyer Rodgers Okumu who returns after missing out the Wazito game. He takes up the place of John Kamau who featured in the last game as a substitute.

Ugandan defender Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa who was hoping for a place in the squad was left out after a muscle tear on his calf

Squad to face Posta Rangers FC

16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 10. Peter Opiyo, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 30. Anthony Kimani, 21. Oliver Maloba, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 12. Edwin Buliba, 18. Sven Yidah, 20. Timothy Ouma,22. Wycliffe Otieno, 24. Erick Ombija, 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 3. Charles Otieno (arm pain), 8. Calvin Masawa (ankle injury), 15. John Kamau, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)

07 Jan 2021

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Head to head: Posta Rangers (H) vs Nairobi City Stars (A)

Patrick January 7, 2021

Nairobi City Stars will face off with host Posta Rangers in a round seven Premier League clash at Kasarani Stadium on Friday 8 January 2021 starting 3pm.

From the record books, the Friday duel will be the ninth matchup for the two in the top flight since 2010, and the first since they last faced off on 10 July 2016.

8 previous KPL games

Across the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016 premier league seasons, Posta Rangers has played against City Stars eight times; four at home and as many times away.

Of the eight, City Stars has one win, Rangers two with the other five games ending in draws. Three of the draws have been 0-0, the other two as 1-1.

In games hosted by Rangers, two two sides have each picked one win a piece with the other two ending in draws.

In July 2010, Francis Thairu, Arthur Museve and Levy Muaka scored a goal each as visiting City Stars dispatched Rangers 3-1 at City Stadium. Isiah Omondi scored the consolation.

In May 2011 Rangers as the home team avenged the 2010 defeat at Nyayo Stadium after registering a 2-1 win. Charles Okwemba and Edwin Mwaura scored for the mailboys as Arthur Museve’s penalty was City Stars response.

The next two home games for Rangers in November 2012 and July 2016 at City Stadium and Afraha Stadium, respectively, ended in 0-0 draws.

Beyond the eight games, and in the most recent meeting, Rangers tested City Stars back in November 2020 at the Jamhuri Showground in a preseason friendly. They won the game 1-0.

Coaches and venues

In the upcoming game, Simba wa Nairobi will be led to the pitch by Bosnian Sanjin Alagic who will become the seventh coach to lead the team against Rangers.

The first four games in 2010 and 2011 were coached by Ken Odhiambo and the last four were handled by four separate coaches; Gideon Ochieng, Gambian Bai Malleh Wadda, John Bobby Ogola and Ugandan Richard Tamale Pinto, in that order.

Pinto was the last man in charge when the team’s faced off in July 2016, with Zedekiah Zico Otieno in charge for Posta. Sammy Pamzo Omollo will be handling Rangers in the Friday meet where the two sides will be facing off at Kasarani for the first time ever.

Three of the last eight games between the two were held at City Stadium, two apiece at Nyayo Stadium and Hope Centre and one at Afraha Stadium.

Which way?

Keep tuned to our social media channels for updates on the game.

Summary

KPL games: 8 (Posta Rangers wins (2), Nairobi City Stars wins (1), Draws (5)

List of games

28-Mar-10; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, City Stadium, 1-1 [ Francis Thairu (78)//Charles Pilipili (85)]
10-Jul-10; Posta Rangers vs City Stars, City Stadium, 1-3 [Francis Thairu (35,), Arthur Museve (54), Levy Muaka (90+1), //Isaiah Omondi (24)]
29-May-11, Posta Rangers vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 [ Arthur Museve (23 – pen)//Charles Okwemba (10), Edwin Mwaura (56)]
30-Jul-11; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Hope Centre, 1-1 [Pascal Ochieng (63 – Own goal)//Edwin Mwaura (70)]
19-Feb-12, City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Hope Centre, 0-0
3-Nov-12, Posta Rangers vs City Stars, City Stadium, 0-0
22-May-16; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Nyayo Stadium, 0-1 [Georson Likonoh (21)]
10-Jul-16; Posta Rangers vs City Stars, Afraha Stadium, 0-0