Ulinzi hoping to build on Nakuru win as Stima seek to bounce back

After bouncing back to winning ways, Ulinzi Stars will be seeking to continue their winning streak when they face Western Stima at A.S.K Grounds, Nakuru, this time being the away side.

The last time the two teams met they played to a two-all draw at Kericho, with Ulinzi Stars using Kericho Green Stadium as their home ground following the unavailability of Afraha Stadium that has been under renovation.

Statistics between the two sides stand in favour of the visitors as they have won six out of the last 12 matches in the fixture with the rest ending evenly. All the draws but one have been scoring draws, with the game promising goals.

After breaking their Nakuru duck against Wazito, Ulinzi Stars defender Brian Birgen is confident that they can make the best out of the remaining home matches that they are scheduled to host in Nakuru.

"It is good that we have finally gotten a win in Nakuru after several attempts. there has been pressure, but it has been positive from all quarters. it has helped us do soul searching and know where the issue was and we will continue working hard so that we can have consistency at home," the defender said.

After giving away their lead against Nzoia at the last minute, Stima's coach Abdallah Juma says that his side is over that game and all focus is now on a tough game against the Soldiers but notes that they will give their all in that game.

“The match against Nzoia is now behind us, we made mistakes which we should not have but we pick lessons and focus on Ulinzi Stars. My players know what needs to be done, they need to show character and be very strong mentally. Our position in the league is not good and we badly need to win so that we can move up in the table.

"We can beat Ulinzi Stars but I expect a tough match because Ulinzi Stars are eager to win too. I want my boys to show good fighting spirit, we cannot afford laxity like was the case against Nzoia Sugar Sugar FC,” he told Mozzart Sport.

While Ulinzi Stars are placed 10th on the log, Stima are 15th and have just four points more than last-placed Mathare United.

Stima have also conceded more than twice the goals that Ulinzi Stars have conceded, 43 while Ulinzi have conceded 21, but they have outscored the Soldiers who have netted only 20 times compared to Stima's 25.

Stima are not new in Nakuru as they have hosted their last two home matches there following the government restrictions imposed in their home county, drawing one and losing the other and thus will not feel in unfamiliar territory.

A win for Western Stima could see them move to 21 points same as Nzoia who have a superior goal difference while a win for Ulinzi Stars will see them climb to 9th with 34 points in the case that Wazito lose to KCB.