The FKF Premier League action continues on Friday, April 4, 2024, with a crucial clash between Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka FC. The two sides will face off at the recently renovated Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, in the only league match of the day. Kickoff is set for 3 PM EAT, with the game broadcast live on Azam Sports 3HD.
Current Standings and Form
Ulinzi Stars, currently 13th on the table with 28 points from 25 matches, are only four points above the relegation zone. They have managed six wins, ten draws, and nine losses this season, but recent form has been worrying. Danstan Nyaudo’s men have lost their last three matches, falling 2-1 to Bandari, 2-1 to KCB, and 1-0 to Nairobi City Stars. Their last league victory came on February 15 against Murang’a SEAL. With safety far from assured, Nyaudo has set an ambitious target of finishing at least eighth this season.
Sofapaka, on the other hand, sit 9th on the table with 33 points. Batoto Ba Mungu have recorded eight wins, nine draws, and eight losses in 25 matches. Before their recent 2-0 defeat to FC Talanta, they had gone four games unbeaten, securing two wins and two draws. A win against Ulinzi could see them strengthen their position in the top half of the table.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, encounters between these two teams have been closely contested. Since Sofapaka’s promotion to the top flight, they have met Ulinzi Stars 33 times across all competitions. Ulinzi have won 11 matches, Sofapaka have claimed victory in 8, while 14 matches have ended in draws. One of those encounters was a SportPesa Shield match that Ulinzi won 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Sofapaka registered a dominant 4-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars, with their danger man Edward Omondi getting his name on the scoresheet. Ulinzi will be keen to avenge that heavy defeat as they battle for crucial points at home.
Key Players and Squad Updates
Ulinzi Stars
One of Ulinzi’s major concerns has been their lack of a consistent goal scorer. No player in the squad has more than five goals this season. Their top scorer, Meshack Karani, has four goals, all of which he scored for Mara Sugar before moving to Ulinzi in the mid-season transfer window. Boniface Muchiri, with three goals, is the most recent scorer for the team, having netted in their last match against Bandari. The club will continue to miss veteran striker Enosh Ochieng, who suffered a fractured left ankle in January and is out for the remainder of the season.
However, Ulinzi have strengthened their attacking options with the arrival of Karani and the return of Oscar Wamalwa. Wamalwa started brightly, scoring two goals in his first three matches but has since struggled for form. On a positive note, attacking midfielder Yakeen Mutheli is back from injury and was named on the bench in their recent defeat to Bandari.
Sofapaka FC
Sofapaka will look to their top scorer, Edward Omondi, to lead the attack. Omondi has netted six times this season, placing him 9th on the league’s top scorers’ chart. He will be riding high on confidence after earning a provisional call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Although he did not make the final squad, the recognition could serve as a major morale boost. Jack Ong’anya, with four goals to his name, will also be key for Sofapaka as they seek to bounce back from their recent loss to FC Talanta.
Match Outlook
Ulinzi Stars will be desperate to halt their losing streak and move further away from the relegation zone. Sofapaka, on the other end, have shown better consistency in recent matches, and with their superior goal tally (24 goals scored compared to Ulinzi’s 19), they will pose a significant attacking threat.
Expect a tight contest, with Ulinzi fighting for survival and Sofapaka aiming to consolidate their top-half position. Can Ulinzi shake off their poor form, or will Sofapaka add to their woes? Football fans will have all the answers come Friday afternoon.
