Posta Rangers inflict serious damage to Breweries after a shock 1-0 defeat
By Barry Silah, June 16, 2021Posta Rangers shot down Tusker FC’s plans of pulling ahead in the BetKing Premier League following a surprise 1-0 victory against the Brewers yesterday at Ruaraka Grounds.
Substitute Josephat Lopaga’s 80th minute strike was enough to give the Mailman full points even as the Brewers tactician Robert Matano bemoaned missed chances.
Tusker are still on top of the table with 38 points as they await fellow contenders KCB and AFC Leopards to play their matches in what is turning out to be a tight run.
“I am happy with my first goal of the season and luckily it was enough to get us full points. Now we continue to fight and move up. I am happy that the coach entrusted me with minutes and I made the difference,” said an elated Lopaga.
The Brewers were cruising in the opening half with waves of attacks from wingers Brian Marita and Boniface Muchiri with the Mailmen fullbacks Evans Maliachi and Elvis Osok having to be at full alert.
The other match ended 2-1 in favour of Nairobi City Stars as Western Stima threw away their first half lead in the dying minutes through goals from Eric Ombija and a Peter Opiyo penalty that cancelled Rodgers Ouma’s first half goal for Stima.
City Stars were magnificent in the last quarter of the match as the visitors fell apart with quick attacks. Veteran playmaker Peter Opiyo was declared man of the match for his extraordinary game in the middle of the park especially in ink up play. On the other end, Baron Oketch was a workhorse for the Stima side who were short of bite upfront.
In the opening half, Stima controlled the match with discipline but got outfoxed in the latter stages.
Coach Sanjin Alagic of City Stars praised his players’ attitude after the win. On his part Stima Coach Abdalla Juma blamed the referee for making bad calls including a late penalty which he dubbed suspicious.
In other matches, Ulinzi Stars got three important points following a 3-1 win over Bandari as the Soldiers’ good run continued. Ulinzi led 2-0 in the first half as Bandari’s Coach Casa Mbungo was looking like a hunted man. In another clash, Vihiga United beat hosts Nzoia Sugar 2-1.