Old boys deny Thika United in Posta stalemate

Old boys John Nairuka and Kennedy 'Agogo' Otieno netted a goal apiece as Posta Rangers rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Thika United in a SportPesa Premier League encounter at the Thika Sub-County Stadium on Saturday.

Mwinyi Kibwana claimed a brace on the 35th and 45th minutes to hand the hosts a commanding lead at the break. Substitute Nairuka pulled one back for Posta at the hour mark before new signing Otieno struck the equaliser at the death.

A draw leaves Thika on 11 points, while third-placed Posta are on 25 points, two behind leaders Gor Mahia who play Sofapaka on Sunday.

“We gave room to our opponents in the first half where they controlled the game as we sat back to watch. Normally, we don’t entertain this and it came to haunt us by conceding those goals,” Posta coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo said after the match.

“But I have to commend the boys for the comeback. It’s the first time we are conceding and scoring two goals in a game this season which leaves mixed feelings in my camp.”

Thika United tactician Nicholas Muyoti rued lack of concentration from his boys.

“We should have done better to defend our lead. Despite the boys giving their all, we let go of what could have been three points for us. It’s disappointing considering we are missing some of our key players,” Muyoti said.

Heading into the match, Pamzo handed new signing Kennedy Otieno a starting role. The former Western Stima forward was deployed on the right flank, Titus Achesa on the other side as Geoffrey Kataka and Dennis Mukaisi combined upfront.

Muyoti, on his side had Joel Tata, Edmond Adem and Mwinyi on the attacking line. Both teams lining up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Barely six minutes into the match, Mukaisi nearly opened the scoring. Kennedy Otieno broke on the right flank, outmuscled Stephen Odhiambo but Mukaisi failed to turn the ball into the net from the cross.

A couple of minutes later, Kibwana’s shot off a rebound was easily picked by Patrick Matasi in the Posta goal.

On the 16th minute, Matasi produced a fingertip save to deny Eugene Mukangula his third goal of the league. It was a brilliant free-kick, clipped over the wall with his left foot but Matasi tipped the ball over for a fruitless corner.

Posta faded after an encouraging start as Thika stamped their authority. A hand ball in the area by Donald Owiti forced centre referee James Wandera to point to the spot.

Kibwana stepped up and sent Matasi the wrong way for the opener.

A lapse in concentration at the stroke of halftime gifted Kibwana his second of the match. The youngster latched onto a loose ball outside the box before unleashing a pile driver that deflected off Owiti into the back of the net.

Mukaisi almost pulled one back on the 49th minute from a Luke Ochieng’ long throw in but Thika cleared their lines.

Posta, desperate to salvage a point from the match, made a double change in the 57th minute.

Nairuka and Jared Obwoge replaced Kataka and Mukaisi and the changes paid off on the hour mark after Nairuka halved the deficit from close range.

Otieno then struck in extra time to ensure the two sides share the spoils.