Ulinzi Stars captain Enosh Ochieng played a key role in his team’s first win of the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League season, delivering a much-needed goal in a 2-1 comeback victory over Posta Rangers at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The 33-year-old striker, who had struggled to find the back of the net since returning to the squad from military duties, broke his scoring drought at the perfect moment, sealing an important victory for his side.
Ulinzi had started the season with a string of disappointing results, putting them dangerously close to the relegation zone. The win not only lifted the team up to 10th place but also provided a significant confidence boost as they look to build momentum in the coming fixtures.
A Dramatic Comeback for Ulinzi Stars
The match began on a rough note for Ulinzi Stars, with Posta Rangers taking an early lead. Curtis Wekesa struck for the Mailmen in the seventh minute, capitalizing on some shaky defending from Ulinzi to put his team ahead. It was a dream start for Posta Rangers, but one that Ulinzi was determined to overturn.
Despite falling behind early, Ulinzi fought back and looked to have equalized when Alex Masinde headed in a cross from Javan Omondi. However, the linesman’s flag went up, and the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of the Ulinzi players and fans. This setback did not deter Ulinzi, who continued to press forward in search of an equalizer.
Posta Rangers had chances to extend their lead but were thwarted by Ulinzi’s goalkeeper, Sylvaine Ricks, who made a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Ricks’ heroics between the posts ensured that Ulinzi went into halftime only trailing by one goal, giving them a platform to mount a second-half comeback.
Frederick Oduor’s Impact Off the Bench
Manager Dunstan Nyaudo made a key tactical adjustment at halftime, bringing on Frederick Oduor to inject some energy and creativity into Ulinzi’s attack. The substitution paid off almost immediately, as Oduor made a significant impact on the game.
In the 58th minute, Ulinzi Stars were awarded a corner, which Javan Omondi expertly delivered into the box. Oduor timed his run perfectly, rising above the Posta Rangers defenders to head the ball into the net and bring Ulinzi level at 1-1. The equalizer shifted the momentum of the match, and Ulinzi began to take control.
With Posta Rangers on the back foot, Ulinzi continued to push forward in search of a winner. The introduction of Oduor had revitalized their attack, and they looked far more dangerous in the second half than they had in the opening 45 minutes.
Ochieng’s Late Heroics
As the match progressed into the final stages, it was Ulinzi captain Enosh Ochieng who provided the decisive moment. In the 74th minute, Brian Kafero, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, delivered a well-timed pass into the path of Ochieng. The captain did not hesitate, slotting the ball past the Posta Rangers goalkeeper to give Ulinzi the lead.
Ochieng’s goal was a moment of relief not only for him personally but for the entire team, who had been under pressure to deliver their first win of the season. The veteran striker, who had promised fans that he would return to form soon, delivered on that promise with a clinical finish that sealed the victory.
Speaking after the match, Ochieng expressed his satisfaction with the result and his goal, acknowledging that it had been a difficult period for him as he worked to regain his sharpness after returning from military duties.
“It feels great to finally get on the scoresheet and help the team secure an important win. We’ve been working hard, and today’s result shows that we’re moving in the right direction,” Ochieng said.
Ulinzi Stars Climb the Table
The victory was a crucial one for Ulinzi Stars, who had endured a winless start to the season. Their previous results had left them languishing near the bottom of the FKF Premier League table, and there was growing concern among fans about the team’s early-season form.
With this win, Ulinzi moved up to 10th place, easing the pressure on manager Dunstan Nyaudo and his squad. The three points pulled Ulinzi clear of the relegation zone and gave them a platform to build on as they look to climb further up the table in the coming weeks.
For Posta Rangers, the defeat was another blow in what has been a challenging season so far. The Mailmen have struggled to find consistency, and this latest loss leaves them in 16th place with just five points from six matches. Posta Rangers will need to regroup quickly if they are to turn their season around and avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.
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Looking Ahead for Ulinzi Stars
With their first win of the season under their belt, Ulinzi Stars will be looking to carry this momentum into their next fixtures. The team showed resilience and character in their comeback victory, and if they can maintain this level of performance, they have the potential to climb even higher in the standings.
Manager Dunstan Nyaudo praised his team’s fighting spirit after the game, highlighting the importance of the victory for their confidence and morale.
“This win was crucial for us. The players showed great character to come back from a goal down, and I’m proud of the way they fought for every ball. We have a lot of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction,” Nyaudo said.
As the FKF Premier League season progresses, Ulinzi Stars will be aiming to rediscover the form that made them one of the most feared teams in Kenyan football. With Enosh Ochieng back on the scoresheet and the team’s spirits lifted, Ulinzi fans will be hoping for more positive results in the weeks to come.
