Nairobi City Stars hit log leaders Tusker FC 1-0 at their own backyard in Ruaraka on Friday 30 July 2021 during a round 29 Betking Premier League game to snap a three-game winless run.
Odera got to the end of a perfect Timothy Noor Ouma pass in the 53rd minute to steal right back Eric Ambunya’s short header towards keeper Emery Mvuyekure to fire a slow ball that went all the way past the line.
With the win, Simba wa Nairobi shot up from the ninth spot to fifth with a new haul of 41 points. Despite the loss, Tusker stays top with 55 points.
Next up for City Stars is a round 30 clash against AFC Leopards at the same Ruaraka grounds starting 3.15 pm.
Lineups
Tusker: 20. Emery Mvuyekure (GK), 26. Erick Ambunya, 23. Sammy Miseh (Hillary Wandera-56), 40. Eugene Asike (Captain), 15. Rodgers Aloro, 30. Humphrey Mieno, 4. Apollo Otieno (14. Faraj Ominde-68), 16. Jackson Macharia (25. Kevin Okoth-56), 12. Cristopher Ochieng (7. Erick Zakayo-56), 17. Chrispinus Onyango (24. Luke Namanda-56), 21. Brian Marita
Unused subs: 29. Michael Wanjala, 2. Vincent Ngesa, 19. Jimmy Mbugua, 5. Michael Madoya
Coach: Robert Matano
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge, 19. Kevin Okumu, 22. Wyclife Otieno, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 26. Bolton Omwenga, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 30. Anthony Kimani (Captain), 20. Timothy Ouma, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (3. Charles Otieno-89) , 32. Ezekiel Odera (28. Herit Mungai-79) 11. Davis Agesa (24. Erick Ombija-73),
Unsused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Okoth
Coach: John Amboko
Yellow cards
Tusker: 15. Rodgers Aloro (55), 17. Chrispinus Onyango (57), Kevin Okoth (86), Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (59), 22. Wycliffe Otieno (69), 23. Steve Njunge (71)
Midfielder Timothy Ouma celebrates with scorer Ezekiel Odera celebrates a 53rd minute goal that handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka
As was the case in the first leg, Vihiga United and Nairobi City Stars came out all square, this time 0-0, in a Premier League round 27 tie held at the ASK Showground, Nakuru on Wednesday 21 July 2021.
— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 21, 2021
During the first-ever meeting in the Premier League between the two back in December 2020, the game ended 1-1 at Utalii College.
Vihiga United started the game on a high and ventured into the City Stars box on three occasions On one such occasion, in the 3rd minute, keeper Stephen Njunge, cut out a dangerous cross.
In the seventh minute, Davis Agesa powered his way to the Vihiga box to force the first corner of the game that was however wasted.
Within the next three minutes, City Stars had a freekick skied by Bolton Omwenga as skipper Anthony Muki Kimani had a feeble shot to Vihiga United keeper Morgan Ambuka.
In the 16th minute, another freekick, this time by Muki, eventually resulted in a fruitless corner.
Vihiga responded with one of their own the very next minute by Lawrence Luvanda got it wrong, firing wide.
In the 25th minute, a Bolton freekick from the right found Nicholas Kipkirui at the far post but he fired high to let Vihiga off the hook.
Four minutes later, Kipkirui should have put Simba wa Nairobi a goal up but after being teed up by Ezekiel Odera, he was a fraction too late to fire home as Michael Odongo tackled him in the nick of time to scale off the danger.
From then on it was a case of Vihiga United owning the midfield restricting City Stars whose best chance for a goal before the break is when Agesa had a stinger on Morgan just before the break. It ended up in an unaccounted corner.
City Stars players heading for half time during a round 27 Premier League clash against Vihiga United at the ASK Showground, Nakuru on Wed 21 July 2021. It ended 0-0
The second half started with immediate changes as Vihiga brought on Erick Opiyo and Kevin Omondi for Stewart Omondi and Patrick Onganya, respectively, as City Stars pulled out Odera and brought on Rodgers Okuse Okumu.
Minutes into the restart, Muki had a long lob for the far post but Morgan who had a good game all through rose high to contain it.
At the mark, stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla, while at the far post, downed a header that bounced out with the goal at his mercy after connecting well to a Bolton freekick.
Rare chances continued to go begging as Morgan once again contained a shot from Kipkirui in the 67th minute.
Substitute Erick Opiyo should have sent the home team a goal up in the 77th minute when he burst into the box only to fire inches wide at the far post.
Many half chances by either side followed that miss as the game wound down to a barren draw.
With the latest point, City Stars moves a position up to sixth with 38 points from 26 games as Vihiga United remains 16the with 17 points.
— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 21, 2021
Vihiga United: 30. Morgan Ambuka, 3. Dennis Ombeva, 4. Michael Odongo, 6. Abisalom Onyango, 14. Sammy Sindani, 15. Mark Okola, 5. Wycliffe Nthatha (24. Lesley Owino-77), 16. Stewart Omondi (36. Erick Opiyo-46), 8. Patrick Onganya (35. Kevin Omondi-46), 20. Isaac Otieno (19. Michael Isabwa-58), 17. Lawrence Luvanda
Unused subs: Mustapha Oduor, 2. Prince Ayieko, 28. Johnson Kidambu, 27. Richard Igunza, 10. Hillary Otieno,
Coach: Mike Mururi
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Stephen Njunge, 19. Kevin Okumu, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 26. Bolton Omwenga, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (20. Timothy Ouma-64), 10. Peter Opiyo (9. Vincent Otieno-89), 30. Anthony Kimani (3. Charles Otieno-81) , 17. Nicholas Kipkirui, 11. Davis Agesa (27. Azizi Okaka-81) , 32. Ezekiel Odera (7. Rodgers Okumu-46)
Vihiga United: None Nairobi City Stars: 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (39), 25. Kenedy Onyango (47)
City Stars forward Davis Agesa goes for the ball during a round 27 Premier League tie against Vihiga United at the ASK Showground in Nakuru on Wed 21 July 2021. The tie ended 0-0
Nairobi City Stars handed Ulinzi Stars a 2-0 defeat at the ASK Showground on Saturday 10 July 2021 in a round 25 Betking Premier League tie.
Goals by striker Nicholas Kipkirui and left-back Bolton Omwenga inside the first ten minutes handed Simba wa Nairobi their tenth win of the season to move up to sixth on the 17-team log with 36 points at the close of Saturday games.
Kipkirui, deployed on the left-wing for missing regular Davis Agesa, fired home from the left off a defensive blunder by Ulinzi to beat keeper Timothy Odhiambo – in for James Saruni – for the opening goal on six minutes.
And four minutes later City Stars had a freekick from 30 yards out. Bolton – later named MVP of the game for his defensive prowess – smacked it all the way home to double the lead.
— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 10, 2021
City Stars started the game with high pressure and inside four minutes had forced two corners.
In between the two goals, Ulinzi had ventured into the City Stars box only to have the ball cleared out of danger.
Though down, Ulinzi had all the chances to, at the very least, get a goal before the water break, or level the game. But near misses defined their evening.
On 12 minutes right-back Brian Birgen fired out a freekick from a good range. Four minutes later Ibrahim Shambi sent out an attempt from atop the box when he had a clear view of the goal.
A minute later Shambi had the miss of the season; he sneaked into the penalty area behind City Stars stoppers Kenedy Onyango and Wycliffe Otieno, chested down a perfect delivery from John Njuguna, only to turn and sky the ball when it was easier to beat Steve Njunge in goal.
That miss served up the tone of Ulinzi’s evening even though they ran at City Stars with more purpose in search of goals.
After the water break, John Kago had attempted a shot on goal before stopper Alex Masinde placed a wayward header off a corner earned from a Harun Mwale freekick.
A Shambi miss on 32 minutes was followed by two unaccounted freekicks by Birgen minutes later.
Six minutes to the breather Masita Masuta had a glorious chance to pull back a goal only to have his header off a Birgen freekick head out.
But as Ulinzi searched for the goal, City Stars could have tripled matters when speedy Oliver Maloba made a mad dash on the right wing, broke into the box, and squared the ball to Peter Opiyo whose shot was blocked for a fruitless corner.
An Ulinzi corner and long ranger from Bolton closed the first half.
— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 10, 2021
At the start of the second half, Ulinzi took out Shambi Ibrahim and Mark Bikokwa and brought on Elvis Nandwa and Enosh Ochieng, respectively.
But it’s Ulinzi that were on the back foot at the onset when a dangerous float from right-back Kevin Chumsy Okumu was headed just wide by Kipkirui.
Nine minutes in a fresh Enosh Ochieng broke into the box to receive a through ball only to be caught marginally offside.
At around the hour mark, Ulinzi added more firepower by bringing on Clinton Omondi and Omar Boraafya for Masita Masuta and John Njuguna.
City Stars responded with a like-for-like replacement of striker Erick Ombija for Ezekiel Odera.
Heading to the second water break Ulinzi could not account for a corner and freekick, and a ping pong in the box was headed out by Enosh Ochieng.
In the 73rd minute, City Stars defensive-mid Sven Yidah let fly a shot from outside the box after being put through with a neat cut-back by skipper Anthony Muki Kimani.
Ten minutes later Ulinzi’s Bernard Ongoma could have grabbed one for Ulinzi when he unleashed a belter only for the ball to echo off the corner of the goal sticks with Njunge well beaten.
But within the next three minutes it was all City Stars as new arrival Ombija controlled the ball twice and fired at goal but on both occasions was denied by keeper Odhiambo.
A save by either keeper in the final minutes of the game, off a shot by John Kago and Kipkirui, and a final corner and freekick from Ulinzi brought the action to a close.
As City Stars settled for sixth at the close of Saturday games, Ulinzi remained tenth with 28 points after suffering their third straight defeat at the ASK Showground.
Up next for City Stars is a date with Champions Gor Mahia at Ruaraka on Saturday 17 July 2021 starting 3pm.
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 26. Bolton Omwenga, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 19. Kevin Okumu, 18. Sven Yidah, 10. Peter Opiyo, 30. Anthony Kimani (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-80), 17. Nicholas Kipkirui-58), 21. Oliver Maloba (20. Timothy Noor Ouma-90+), 32. Ezekiel Odera (24. Erick Ombija-63)
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 16. Jacob Osano (GK), 4. Salim Abdalla, 15. John Kamau, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 11. Davis Agesa, 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 3. Charles Otieno,
Coach: Sanjin Alagic
Yellow cards;
Ulinzi Stars: 8. John Kago (52)
Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (38), 30. Anthony Kimani (49), 22. Wycliffe Otieno (61), Kenedy Onyango (87)
Striker Erick Ombija on the ball against Ulinzi Stars during a matchday 25 Betking Premier League tie at the ASK Showground in Nakuru on Sat 10 Jul 2021. Nairobi City Stars won the game 2-0Elvis Noor Ojiambo has a go at Ulinzi Stars’ Brian Birgen during a matchday 25 Betking Premier League tie at the ASK Showground in Nakuru on Sat 10 Jul 2021. Nairobi City Stars won the game 2-0Kevin Okumu goes for the ball with Ulinzi Stars’ John Njuguna during a matchday 25 Betking Premier League tie at the ASK Showground in Nakuru on Sat 10 Jul 2021. Nairobi City Stars won the game 2-0
Herit Mungai is the only change as Nairobi City Stars steps up to face Western Stima in a round 20 premier league clash on Tuesday 15 June 2021 at Ruaraka starting 1 pm.
Mungai takes up the place of Charles Otieno who drops out from the last active squad that bowed out of the domestic Cup after a 1-0 fall to Bidco United at the same venue on Thursday.
Herit, a left-back cum left-winger, was last in the squad that took on Fortune Sacco in the domestic cup earlier in the month but went on to miss the next two against Ulinzi Stars, then Bidco.
The squad also see the retention of Erick Ombija who suffered a straight red card against Gor Mahia in mid-May.
76’|RED CARD @NrbCityStars
Ombija is sent off for a dangerous play.
— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) May 16, 2021
He has served his suspension after sitting out two premiership games against Sofapaka and Kariobangi Sharks.
Striker Erick Ombija in action against Western Stima in a Premier League match day 13 tie at Moi Stadum, Kisumu on Wed 23 Feb 2021. He scored once as City Stars won 2-0
Midfielders: 10. Peter Opiyo, 21. Oliver Maloba, 18. Sven Yidah, 30. Anthony Kimani, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo,
Strikers: 11. Davis Agesa, 24. Erick Ombija, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 3. Charles Otieno, 5. Wesley Onguso, 12. Edwin Buliba, 27. Azizi Okaka, 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth
City Stars left back Herit Mungai challenges a Homeboyz player during an eleventh round Premier League tie at Bukhungu Stadium on Sat 6 Feb 2021. Homeboyz won 2-0
There’s almost a clear view to the next Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season after the league’s Governing Council issued tentative kick off dates for the 2020/21 season.
According to a communique, and barring any changes, the league will set off on Friday 20 November 2020.
According to the draft fixtures, Simba wa Nairobi will be ushered back to the KPL by five Western based teams that headline it’s first five fixtures.
City Stars will start off with a home game against Nzoia United before travelling to Zoo FC in Kericho for their second game.
A home match between Kisumu AllStars and Vihiga United – two teams fighting for one KPL slot -, an away fixture to Kakamega Homeboyz and a home game against Western Stima highlights the team’s first five games.
“With the tentative kickoff dates and draft fixtures out, we can now craft an elaborate pre-season plan and prepare accordingly,”
“The announcement by the league managers has brought lots of excitement to our camp. Looking at our first five fixtures we have five Western based teams to contend with. That area being a bed rock off football means we have our work cut out.” said team coordinator Samson Otieno
