Super sub Odongo ends Chemelil’s fine start

Posta Rangers midfielder Joseph Mbugi goes down after a challenge from Chemelil Sugar's Maxwell Onyango during their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on February 24, 2018. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Calvin Odongo came off the bench to end Chemelil Sugar’s fine start to the 2018 Kenyan Premier League handing Posta Rangers a 1-0 win in a match played at Camp Toyoyo grounds, Nairobi on Saturday.
  • Odongo, who replaced Danson Kago after the resumption, smashed home in the 65th minute past Chemelil goalkeeper John Waw after a promising build up from Titus Achesa and Jeremiah Wanjala to earn the mail men their first win of the season.
  • The result means Posta are now on six points after three consecutive draws, while the millers remain on five from a win and two draws.

Calvin Odongo came off the bench to end Chemelil Sugar’s fine start to the 2018 Kenyan Premier League handing Posta Rangers a 1-0 win in a match played at Camp Toyoyo grounds, Nairobi on Saturday.

Odongo, who replaced Danson Kago after the resumption, smashed home in the 65th minute past Chemelil goalkeeper John Waw after a promising build up from Titus Achesa and Jeremiah Wanjala to earn the mail men their first win of the season.

The result means Posta are now on six points after three consecutive draws, while the millers remain on five from a win and two draws.

“My camp has been calm and patiently waiting for victory fortunately it paid off today. We are compact in all departments especially the midfield which has been clicking in our previous games and I am happy this time round we utilized our chance upfront,” Posta coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo said after the match.

“Also, we’ve kept clean sheets in our last games and with a win today, we will be more motivated heading into the next match against Sofapaka.”

His opposing number Patrick Odhiambo rued missed chances in the opening stanza.

"We failed to convert our chances unlike Posta who got one and utilized. We pick the positives and go back humbled focusing on the next fixture,” he said.

Posta made few changes to the team that held Vihiga United to a scoreless draw last weekend. Patrick Matasi stood in between the sticks and had Luke Ochieng’, Kennedy Onyango and Suleiman Ngotho completing a three-man defence ahead of him.

Joseph Mbugi captained the side at the heart of the midfield, with veteran Osborne Monday, while Jeremiah Wanjala led the forward line.

Charles Okiya’s header in the 16th minute hit the crossbar with Matasi well beaten before John Nairuka’s 27th minute free kick resulted into a fruitless corner after a foul on Achesa from Jacob Mwamlanga.

In the 38th minute, an off-colour Kago floated in a dangerous cross that troubled Waw and his defence led by John Kuol and Benjamin Oketch.

Posta were forced to an early substitution two minutes later pulling out injured Nairuka for Kennedy Otieno as the first half ended goalless.

Posta came back rejuvenated and pressed their opponents in search of the opener and their efforts paid off via Odongo’s right footed shot into the top corner.

Odhiambo introduced Mustapha Adebayor for Maxwell Onyango with six minutes to time hoping for a comeback in vain.

Posta next play Sofapaka while Chemelil Sugar hosts Zoo Kericho.