Posta Rangers complete double over Ulinzi Stars

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FKFPL Posta Rangers complete double over Ulinzi Stars

Festus Chuma 15:00 - 17.02.2024

Posta Rangers secured a 'double' over Ulinzi Stars in the FKF Premier League following a previous 2-0 win in the first leg.

Posta Rangers have completed an FKF Premier League ‘double’ over Ulinzi Stars, defeating the Soldiers 1-0 at Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result sees the Mailmen rise to second place in the standings, five points behind leaders Gor Mahia, while Ulinzi Stars remain in 11th spot on the 18-team log.

The match got off to a lively start with Rangers threatening first when Oliver Maloba headed over the crossbar from close range after connecting with Caleb Olilo's delightful cross.

The Soldiers responded by applying some pressure on the hosts and Yakeen Mutheli unleashed a low shot which was well-saved by goalkeeper John Njau in the 26th minute.

Posta Rangers sat back and allowed Ulinzi to dominate possession and try to hit the hosts on the counter through their speedy attackers Felix Oluoch, Oliver Maloba and Shami Mwinyi

Ulinzi threatened again on the half-hour mark, with Muchiri beating both Binken Mwema and Faustin Odhiambo, to a clever ball over the top from Mwinyi, but the right winger's lob traveled wide of the target.

Rangers struggled to string together any notable attacks, but they were awarded a penalty on 42 minutes that Felix Oluoch coolly converted from the spot to put the hosts 1-0 up.

The second half was a more tightly contested affair as Ulinzi looked to get back into the contest. Five minutes after the break, Yakeen Mutheli had a chance to find the equaliser but he fired his volley over the bar. 

It would be the striker's final contribution of the match as the fans once again had their say and brought on Javan Omondi in his place. While on the side of John Kamau, Jackson Macharia was brought on for Oliver Maloba.

Nevertheless, Boniface Muchiri continued from where he had left off in the first half as he threatened the Rangers’ goal, but his effort was easily dealt with by John Njau. At the other end, Njau was once again called into action as he comfortably gathered a shot by Makwata.

With 25 minutes to go, the encounter lost some of its spark as several changes made by Ulinzi Stars technical team affected the games fluidity.

In the 78th minute, Posta had a glorious chance to double their lead but their casual approach saw Ulinzi Stars avert the danger. 

Almost immediately, Ulinzi had an opportunity of their own, and after substitute Nicholas Omondi ’s shot was superbly saved by Njau, the woodwork would eventually deny the Soldiers’ attack.

Although Ulinzi continued to pressurise the postmen's defence it was a little too late as Rangers claimed the narrow victory.

The teams will return to FKF Premier League action on March 2, with Posta Rangers away to Gor Mahia, and Ulinzi Stars hosting Police FC on Sunday, 3 March.

How they lined up:

Posta Rangers: John Njau, Binken Mwema, Faustin Odhiambo, Christopher Oruchum, Benard Odniekm Beian Musa, Caleb Olilo, Vincent Wasambo, Felix Oluoch, Oliver Maloba, Shami Mwinyi

Ulinzi Stars: Michael Wanyika, Alex Masinde, Shannel Makwata, Bonventure Muchika, Glenn Wafula, Bernard Ongoma, Mootian Leshan, Ibrahim Shami, Mark Bikokwa, Boniface Muchiri, Yakeen Mutheli

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