Okoth Stunner Lifts Ulinzi Stars Past APS Bomet

Ulinzi Stars showed resilience, character and clinical finishing as they battled to a hard-earned 1–0 victory over APS Bomet at Green Stadium, Kericho a result defined by discipline at the back and one moment of magic from forward Paul Okoth.

The Soldiers settled quickly and almost struck inside two minutes when Masuta met a Telena cross but headed over. In the 12th minute, Birgen beat his marker on the right and picked out Okoth, whose shot drifted just wide as Ulinzi pushed confidently for an opener. APS Bomet grew into the game midway through the first half, building pressure especially around the 40th minute as they dominated the final third, but Ulinzi stayed compact and committed to go into the break level.

The breakthrough arrived four minutes after the restart. Masuta went close with a glancing header, and moments later the defining moment of the match followed. A loose ball dropped to Paul Okoth at the edge of the box and he smashed an unstoppable 18-yard rocket into the back of the net — a stunning finish that separated the two sides.

Ulinzi carried the momentum, with Okoth threatening again in the 64th minute before another near-miss at 69 minutes, when Mwanyika and Wafula combined to set him up only for a defender to clear off the line. From there, it was about grit. Otunda produced a crucial block in the 77th minute to deny Hansel from close range, while late substitutions helped steady the tempo as APS Bomet pushed hard for an equalizer.

The hosts piled pressure deep into added time, introducing several attacking options and forcing Ulinzi to defend with discipline and urgency. But the Soldiers refused to break, managing the final minutes with maturity to secure all three points on the road.

Paul Okoth’s brilliance and a collective defensive effort delivered a statement win away from home a performance built on heart, fight and belief.