Ulinzi hold Police in scintillating Elite Tournament draw

• Ulinzi now have four points in the eight-team tournament
• Police have picked back to back draws and are in a must win situation
• The last round of group matches will be played this week

Goals from Boniface Muchiri and new signing Hillary Simiyu scored as Ulinzi Stars twice came from behind to hold Police FC to a 2-2 draw in their second match of the Elite Pre-Season tournament.

The draw handed Ulinzi a huge chance to make the semis and will need only a draw against City Stars in their last game on Monday evening to sail through. Duke Abuya and John Ndirangu scored for the Police FC side.

“We didn’t do well defensively especially looking at the goals we conceded. We should have done better but those are some of the lessons we take. We will look to ensure we win our last game,” said Police FC head coach Sammy Omollo.

Cagy first half with few chances

Ulinzi Stars players celebrate their late equalizer

The first half was cagy and toughly contested, with few chances. Polcie had to make an early change after star striker David Okoth limped out injured and was replaced by Ndirangu.

Ndirangu had close chances, first failing to nail the ball home from close range after Ulinzi keeper James Saruni made a save from Francis Kahata’s header. At the stroke of halftime, the striker had a glorious chance when Abuya cut back a cross, but he couldn’t score from close range.

In the second half, the goals opened and Police were the first on the sheet when Abuya scored the opener in the 50^th minute with a brilliant shot from the right. Ndirangu should have doubled the tally three minutes later but he struck wide unmarked off a Baraka Badi cross from the right.

A goalkeeping howler from Job Ochieng saw Ulinzi draw level. The keeper couldn’t handle a stinging freekick from Boniface Muchiri, the ball slipping through his gloves.

Ulinzi equalizer joy lasts short time 

Ulinzi Stars keeper James Saruni makes a save from a tight angle

But the joy of an equalizer lasted only three minutes as Police went back to the lead, Ndirangu finally making up for the missed chances. The striker headed in from the fat post after Francis Kahata lifted in a brilliant cross on his weaker right foot.

Police were pumped in confidence after the second goal and played better, with their passing moves opening up the Ulinzi side. They almost scored the third goal in the 68^th minute when an intricate passing move saw ABuya open up space, but his eventual shot was wide.

Ulinzi equalized with nine minutes left when Simiyu blasted the ball into the net from long range after Police did poorly in defending a freekick.

But Police almost won at the death, Kahata finding space to force off a great save from Ulinzi keeper James Saruni.