Ulinzi Stars showcased their resilience as Stephen Etyang’s remarkable freekick salvaged a crucial point against Kenya Police FC in an exhilarating FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday evening.
The eagerly anticipated ‘Forces Derby’ lived up to its billing, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for supremacy.
It was Kenya Police who struck first blood, courtesy of Elvis Rupia’s clinical finish in the 32nd minute. Exploiting a gap in Ulinzi’s defence, Rupia darted through and confidently slotted the ball past Sylvain Odhiambo, giving his side a well-deserved lead.
This marked the second occasion Rupia exploited the defensive lapse, having narrowly missed the target with a similar run in the 25th minute.
Despite Police’s advantage, Ulinzi Stars showed glimpses of their fighting spirit. Police had their own opportunities, with Lesley Otieno volleying over the bar from the edge of the box, while Rupia’s snapshot failed to find the mark.
The intensity heightened in the second half, as the Police aimed to double their lead. Ten minutes after the restart, Duke Abuya seized the ball from a left-sided cutback by Clifton Miheso, but his low shot was brilliantly parried by Sylvain.
Miheso continued to trouble Ulinzi’s defence, delivering another dangerous cross from the left, only for Lesley Otieno to miss the connection.
However, against the run of play, Ulinzi managed to restore parity in the 70th minute. A well-earned freekick from deep saw Stephen Etyang step up to the plate. With remarkable precision, Etyang curled the ball into the box, evading every defender and finding the back of the net, igniting jubilation among Ulinzi fans.
Their joy was almost doubled minutes later when Etyang’s cross from the left found Enosh Ochieng, but his glancing header was heroically saved by Enosh Ochieng.
Ulinzi Stars displayed resolute defending in the face of late pressure from the Police, ultimately securing a hard-fought draw.
This result not only preserved Ulinzi’s unbeaten record against their “small brothers” but also showcased their unwavering determination to battle until the final whistle. Both teams exhibited exceptional skill and passion throughout the match, thrilling the crowd and further cementing the legacy of the ‘Forces Derby.’
