Posta Rangers conceded their first defeat in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League this season after going down 3-1 to Talanta on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

The result means Talanta registered their second win of the season, ending Rangers’ perfect run that has seen them top the standings.

Talanta’s opening goals

Talanta scored the opening goal in the second minute when Alfred Tanui – with an assist from Lucas Waitere – found the back of the net.

After conceding, Rangers attacked more and would have equalised or even gone ahead with chances from Curtius Wekesa, Brian Otieno, and Kennedy Odhiambo wasted.

Despite Rangers’ relentless attacks, Talanta stood firm and extended their lead in the 10th minute when they won a penalty. Alex Luganji took the spot-kick duties and managed to strike past goalkeeper John Njau.

After conceding for the second time, Rangers created a chance, but Brian Otieno did not manage to get the ball into the back of the net despite being in a better goalscoring position.

Coach John Kamau made his first change just two minutes before the half-hour mark when he replaced Meshack Muyonga with Jackson Macharia, who has been an influential midfielder since he signed from Tusker.

Finally, the league leaders scored in the 43rd minute when Dicken Mwema fired into Talanta’s goal after he connected superbly with a set-piece delivered by experienced Titus Echesa.

Rangers made more ambitious attacks but were unable to make the chances count, with Otieno, Caleb Olilo, and Achesa failing to turn their chances into goals.

Tanui’s brace

Tanui grabbed his brace in the 75th minute when he took advantage of poor defensive work by the Rangers to stretch the lead for Talanta.

Harman Ngala would have made it 4-1 for Talanta had he scored from an open chance in the 88th minute.

Inside the four added minutes, Rangers managed only one attempt to score, but his header posed no problem for Talanta’s goalkeeper, James Omusinde, who managed to clear with tangible comfort.

FC Talanta XI: James Omusinde, Peter Jammah, John Ouma, Ian Omondi, Castro Ogendo, Lucas Waitere, Harmon Ngala, Alfred Tanui, Kevinton Machika, Alex Lungaji  

Posta Rangers XI: John Njau, Dincken Mwema, Titus Achesa, Kennedy Odhiambo, Bernard Ondieki, Brain Musa, Caleb Olilo, Meshack Muyonga, Patrick Otieno, Brian Otieno, Cartius Wekesa