Otuoma strikes to keep Stima's slim chances alive

Ezekiel Otuoma’s close range shot in the 64th minute gave Western Stima a lifeline in their battle to remain in the SportPesa Premier League as they beat Posta Rangers 1-0 at Moi Stadium on Saturday.

The home side needed all the three points to stay in the battle for survival in the top flight and will be following closely the match between Zoo Kericho and Thika United later Wednesday at Green stadium.

Referee Davies Omweno's fulltime whistle was a welcome relief to the handful fans that had bothered to show up the venue to witness the encounter.

With Mathare United also beating already Muhoroni Youth 2-1 on Saturday, Stima's win now means the battle for survival will be decided on the last day of the season with Thika United sure to be in the battle irrespective of the result when they take on Zoo on Wednesday.

“It is probably the best result of the season since it gives the team a slim chance of surviving. We are determined to win last match to boost our hopes of remaining in the league,” said Western Stima coach Richard Makumbi.

The start to the match was cagey with both teams effectively making every move count during the early exchanges.

Aware of the daunting task ahead of them, the home side looked sharp in the final third forcing three fruitless corners within the first 15 minutes.

Fredrick Nyarombo’s glancing header in the 18th minute was ruled out for offside while John Nairuka also had a goal ruled out on the other end.

Posta Rangers defender Luke Ochieng’s had twice threatened Western Stima with dangerous long throw ins, forcing goalkeeper Stephen Otieno to make brilliant saves.

The hosts could have taken the lead at the half hour mark but Bernard Ondieki’s header beat goalkeeper Patrick Matasi only to miss the target by a whisker.

Western Stima once again failed to capitalise on set pieces when Brian Marita’s free-kick from the edge of the area failed to trouble Matasi after Jerry Santo fouled Nyarombo five minutes later.

The second half saw both teams going full throttle but the visitors perhaps fluffed the best chance of the match when Dennis Mukaisi’s spot kick was saved by Otieno in the 57th minute.

It was a case of self inflicted pain when Otieno fouled Kennedy Otieno in a one-on-one situation in the box.

Nyarombo was then replaced by Villa Oromchan on the hour mark before the home side redeemed themselves in the 64th minute.

Otuooma converted Ondieki’s headed effort with a close range shot that slightly crossed the line despite Matasi’s effort to return it to the field of play.

After the goal Western Stima coach Makumbi opted t bring in Kevin Okoth for Evans Kiwanuka while his opposite number Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo summoned Geoffrey Kataka, Gerald Obwoge and Joseph Mbugi for Simon Ogutu, Titus Achesa and Nairuka.

Salim Odeka then came in for Marita in the closing minutes but the match needed win had already been sealed.

“The game was tough, we had our chances but playing away to a relegation threatened team was always going to be a daunting task. We still have a match to play and we are working hard to pick all the three points to wind up the season on a high,” said Omollo.