Rangers end Tuskers' unbeaten run

League returnees Posta Rangers on Sunday beat title contenders Tusker 1-0 in their SportPesa Premier League game played at Nyayo National Stadium.

This result brought Tusker’s seven-match unbeaten run to screeching halt and also saw the brewers give up their position at the top of the table of standings.

And in the next game played at the same venue, Muhoroni Youth forced Mathare United to a 1-1 draw.

Rangers’ Joseph Mbugi scored the all-important goal from a penalty, and Tusker failed to respond as the match wore on.

The brewers were hoping to maintain their position at the top of the table, but they were sluggish throughout the match, allowing Rangers to dominate the proceedings.

Former Gor Mahia striker Timothy Otieno came through with the first chance for Rangers in the third minute but he sent his shot just wide before a nasty collision with goalkeeper David Okello. Daniel Mwaura then forced a save from Okello in the 21st minute after being set through by Otieno, and Rangers threatened henceforth.

OTIENO SENT OFF

In the 30th minute, defender Eugene Asike brought down Joseph Nyaga inside the box, and referee Raphael Nduati pointed to the spot.

Mbugi stepped forward to take the shot, sending Okello the wrong way to put his team in the lead.

The second-half belonged to Rangers still, but they suffered a set back in the 81st minute when Duncan Otieno was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Tusker’s Shaffique Batambuze also got into the referee’s book for the second time four minutes later and was also sent off.

“My players were fantastic today. We were denied two penalties in match but they remained focused and pushed hard throughout,” Rangers coach Zedekiah Otieno said after the match.

In the last game of the day, Mathare United forward Whyvonne Isuza cancelled out a second minute goal from Muhoroni’s Wycliffe Ochomo to restore parity in the match.