Visiting Ulinzi Stars held Sofapaka FC to a goalless draw in a Kenyan Premier League clash staged at the Kenyatta Stadium-Machakos on Wednesday.
Even before the dust could settle, Ulinzi thought they had taken the lead in the sixth minute when Oscar Wamalwa tapped into the empty net following a pass from Brian Birgen but the assistant referee had other thoughts when he raised his flag for an offside call; replays showing a different story.
Wamalwa was to rob Faina Jacobs of the ball as the visitors continued with their positive start but keeper Ndikumana was up to the test.
Sofapaka first real test was to come at the quarter hour mark when midfielder Elly Asieche was to test goalkeeper James Saruni with a long-range shot but the keeper was up to the task; the half ending with no one getting the better of the other.
Ulinzi, just as they did in the first half started brilliantly in the second half and had a genuine penalty appeal in the 71st minute when Jacobs appeared to have tripped Elvis Nandwa inside the box but the referee ignored the claim.
Keeper Ndikumana was to come with what proved to be the save of the game when he spread himself to stop Enosh Ochieng shot following a quick counter-attack by the visitors with four minutes remaining on the clock.
The draw sends Ulinzi to 11th position with 26points with Sofapaka remaining second with 41 points.