Thika United, Posta Rangers draw again at Ruaraka

Posta Rangers and Thika United on Saturday battled to a 1-1 draw in a dour SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Ruaraka grounds.

First half strikes from Jerry Santo and Suleiman Ngotho settled the encounter.

A 15th draw for Posta and eleventh for Thika leaves the sides on 39 and 23 points respectively, sixth and 16th on the standings.

Thika United head coach Nicholas Muyoti rued missed chances created in the second half but remains hopeful of surviving relegation.

“We didn’t start well but my boys pulled up their socks in the second half. I have faith in my boys in the remaining matches. I am hopeful that we will do well to get points that will help us retain our league status,” said Muyoti.

“Going forward, I have to work on scoring. We get so many chances but we fail to convert.”

NOLONGER IN CONTENTION

His opposite number Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo conceded they are no longer league contenders with wins remaining elusive.

“We scored the first goal and conceded immediately. We didn’t defend well up to the time Thika levelled. It’s been a game of two halves. We had our first and they had their second, we appreciate a draw however much I would have wished for three points," said Omollo.

“I don’t think we are in contention for the league. Our main target remains finishing in the top four but that will depend on how fast we can bounce back to winning ways.”

Reeling from their midweek 2-2 draw with Kariobangi Sharks after leading 2-0, Posta were quick from the start with more men up front. John Nairuka, a former Thika United player, had a shot saved by goalkeeper Allan Owiny in the 10th minute.

SANTO SCORES

Their push paid off in the 23rd minute through Santo who connected home a trademark Luke Ochieng long throw in. Thika immediately responded through Ngotho.

Ngotho capitalised on a defensive lapse to find the back of the net with a low shot from inside the area from a Benson Iregi corner kick.

Omollo introduced veteran striker Dennis Mukaisi and Jared Obwoge for Gerson Likono and Edwin Mwaura at the start of the second half.

The mailmen looked a better side in the final minutes winning free kicks from close range. In the 56th minute, Ngotho fouled Nairuka outside the area but the latter’s set piece was headed wide by Jockins Atudo.

Eugene Mukangula failed to beat Martin Musalia in Posta goal in the 65th minute. Wilson Anekeya exchanged passes with Saad Musa who floated the ball across the face of goal but the former Chavakali High student couldn’t stab home from close range.

MUSALIA SAVES

Posta splashed three set pieces in a span of three minutes with Atudo the culprit. The former Tusker man would in the 68th minute foul Saad outside the 18-yard box but Mukangula’s shot was parried away by Musalia for a fruitless corner.

Edmond Adem and Peter Okoth’s introduction almost paid off in the dying moments for Thika. Adem delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank but Okoth’s shot from six yards was superbly saved by Musalia.

Thika next play Ulinzi Stars while Posta Rangers will be at home to tackle Sony Sugar on September 27 and 29 respectively.