Western Stima 1 Posta Rangers 0

THIS time rookie Kenyan Premier League team Posta Rangers of Nairobi played much better than in their debut match the previous week where they were hammered 4-1 by Tusker.

At Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday, Posta, however went down 1-0 to Western Stima who traditionally are a-hard-nut-to-crack at home.

Former Kenya national team member Omar Ramadhan Balala netted for Western Stima in the 45th minute. A floated Stima free kick into the penalty box proved difficult for Posta defenders to deal with and as they thought they had set the off-side trap well, Balala sneaked into an empty six yard box to easily head past Victor Omondi.

The game was indeed very tight and both teams hell bent on not losing, defensive work was taken rather viciously and crunching tackles ruled the scrappy match.

It was indeed a wonder that only three players – Edward Kauka and Ben Owuor (Posta) and Brian Masiolo (Stima) received yellow cards.

“The three points are very crucial at this stage. We did not play according to our abilities but the result cushions us for the next assignment,” said Stima coach Fred Serenge.

Next weekend Serenge’s boys are in Nakuru to face Red Berets at Afraha Stadium.

TEAMS:

WESTERN STIMA – 23. David Juma: 5. Hudson Muhako, 16. David Omondi, 15. Robert Kwaye, 19. George Wesa, 14. Fred Shimonyo, 10. Ramadhan Omar Balala, 8. Alois Mangi (4. Hesbon Ogada, 83’), 9. Brian Masiolo, 28. Jacob Mugoya (12. Kevin Serenge, 57’), 30. Mark Sirengo (7. Ali Bhai, 50’)

Reserves not used – 1. Ben Mandela, 2. Isaac Odhiambo, 17. Jackson Sale, 13. Wesley Kemboi

Scorer – 10. Ramadhan Omar Balala (45’)

Coach – Fred Serenge

POSTA RANGERS – 69. Victor Omondi: 15. Benson Owuor, 11. Rodgers Ochieng’, 4. Brian Onyango, 24. Pascal Ochieng’ Okul, 17. Roy Waswa Lukungu, 7. Edwin Mwaura, 30. Nicholas Auma, 12. Justus Anene (23. Hashim Mukwana, 63’), 8. Oscar Olwith, 21. Edward Kauka (10. Charles Okwemba, 81’)

Reserves not used – 19. Wanyonyi Khaemba, 26. Jonathan Mwaniki, 20. Patrick Kathiari, 9. Charles Melubu, 22. Isaiah Omondi

Coach – Peter Ambetsa

Referee – Duncan Ongote

Assistant referee – Sammy Omollo

Assistant referee – Mohammed Guya

Mathare United 1 Chemelil Sugar 1

At the City Stadium’s astro-turf pitch in Nairobi, Mathare United drew their second straight game ending 1-1 after yet another tough battle with Chemelil Sugar who beat United 3-2 at the same venue last season.

In fact United had to come from behind to salvage a point. Anthony Opondo scored in the 59th minute for Chemelil and it was Kevin Kimani, after another inspiring play for his ne club, who equalised for Mathare in the 60 minute.

The ex-KCB Mathare man was also a confident midfielder in United’s opening 2-2 draw at Hope Centre, Kawangware, with home team, Nairobi City Stars the previous week.

Thika United 0 Sher Karuturi 1

Alfred Chole, a key player in last year’s Sher Karuturi team scored the all-important winner during their visit to Thika Municipal Stadium.

Sher Karuturi who relish playing at Thika, away crowds notwithstanding, hogged the spot light in the SuperSport “live” broadcast from Thika.

Ulinzi Stars 1 Gor Mahia 0

Junior international Stephen Waruru Kiaritha, a former Thika United man scored the 70th minute winner for Ulinzi against Gor Mahia at Oserian ground , Naivasha.

Ulinzi maintained a hundred per cent record after a previous week’s similar win over Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru