Batoto Ba Mungu secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, thanks to a first-half goal from Bramuel Simiyu. The win means Sofapaka have completed a season double over the military side, having thrashed them 4-1 in the first leg.
The match began with intensity, with Sofapaka creating the first clear-cut opportunity in the 7th minute. Rodgers Kipkemoi found Humphrey Mieno, who then teed up Jack Ong’anya for a shot. Simiyu attempted to guide the ball into the net from close range, but his effort went narrowly wide with the goalkeeper beaten.
Just a minute later, Ulinzi Stars responded with an attack of their own. Captain Boniface Muchiri laid the ball off for Staphod Odhiambo, but the striker could only fire into the side netting, squandering a great chance to put the home side ahead.
In the 11th minute, Simiyu showcased his dribbling skills, cutting in from the left before going down inside the penalty area, claiming he had been fouled. However, the referee was unimpressed, as Ulinzi’s Bildad Abonga had made no significant contact, and play continued.
Sofapaka came close to scoring in the 30th minute when Baron Ochieng’ delivered a stunning cross into the box. Simiyu rose highest to head the ball towards Wayne Otieno, whose powerful shot struck the post and bounced out, much to the relief of the Ulinzi defense.
Just two minutes later, Ulinzi carved out a brilliant opportunity as Muchiri played a precise pass to Javan Omondi, who found himself in a great position. However, his powerful shot lacked accuracy, flying over the crossbar and letting Sofapaka off the hook.
Ulinzi continued to press forward, and in the 36th minute, Javan Omondi initiated a promising move on the right flank. He found Brian Emilio, who played a clever through ball to Odhiambo, but Sofapaka goalkeeper Edward Olak reacted swiftly, making a strong save to deny the equalizer.
The breakthrough finally came in the 40th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Baron Ochieng’. His long throw from the halfway line caused confusion in the Ulinzi defense, and Simiyu, nicknamed Tamasha, capitalized on a defensive mix-up to poke the ball into the net, giving Sofapaka the lead.
Sofapaka almost doubled their advantage immediately after halftime when another long throw from Ochieng’ created problems for Ulinzi. Goalkeeper Issa Emuria could only punch the ball into Mieno’s path, and the veteran midfielder unleashed a shot past him. However, a quick-thinking Ulinzi defender was on hand to make a crucial block before Emuria recovered to claim the ball.
Sofapaka made their first change in the 60th minute, introducing Japheth Mzungu for Wayne Otieno. Ulinzi responded in the 69th minute with three substitutions, bringing on veteran striker Oscar Wamalwa, Yakeen Mutheli, and center-back Amatton Samunya to add fresh energy.
Ulinzi Stars’ best opportunity to equalize came in the 71st minute after a goalmouth scramble. A powerful shot from Telena Ochieng’ caused chaos in the box, and the ball fell kindly to Staphod Odhiambo inside the six-yard area. However, he completely miskicked his attempt, allowing Sofapaka goalkeeper Edward Olak to gather the ball with ease.
With the clock winding down, Sofapaka made two final changes in the 85th minute, bringing on Joseph Kuloba and Douglas Kibet for Jack Ong’anya and Simiyu. Despite Ulinzi’s late attempts to push forward, Batoto Ba Mungu held firm to secure a vital 1-0 win, completing a season double over their military rivals.
