The deadly duo; Felix Oluoch and Erick Mata were Posta Rangers’ tormentors in chief in yesterday’s’ 12th league win held at Kasarani Annex courtesy of a 3-2 scoreline.

Minimal changes

The starting team saw 1 change at the rearguard as constant regular Bonface Onyango was out serving a suspension having accumulated 5 yellow cards. This meant that Tom Teka, Alphonce Omija and Julius Masaba would be pivotal at the heart of defence as Frederick Alushula and Geoffrey Onyango would provide width in attack. Douglas Mokaya was benched in midfield ahead of Keith Imbali,that though didn’t disrupt the chemistry of the side.

First half show

It was the Sharkmen that started briskly as early as the 15th minute when Patilah Omoto intercepted a Patrick Otieno pass to lay it to Fortune Omoto who combined well with Keith Imbali for the one-two back to Fortune who found Erick Mata, He maneuvered his way past a forest of red shirts into the box and poked the ball to the far post leaving no chance for Kevin Opiyo opening the floodgates.

9 minutes later,Sharks doubled their lead- this time a free flowing build up which bugun with a big boot by John Otieno upfront to Felix Oluoch who silenced it to a calm Fortune Omoto again picking up Erick Mata who released Felix Oluoch on the turn, the starman’s articulate first touch totally outwitting his marker,left with a hapless Opiyo in goal,He cooly tapped in for his 12th of the season.

Posta Rangers came close in the 37th minute when Caleb Olilo’s free kick caressed the woodwork after John Otieno had been totally beaten but Tom Teka cleared to avert any damage.

The boys in red had to wait until the 44th minute to pull one back. A foul on Brian Otieno inside Sharks’ box by Julius Masaba resulted in a penalty which was converted by captain Michael Apudo marking an end to an entertaining first half.

Final 45

The second stanza saw early changes in the 56th minute as Fortune Omoto and Keith Imbali were rested for Douglas Mokaya and Ken Kyalo.A minute after the change Ken Kyalo was set up by Erick Mata but failed to put his loop past Kevin Opiyo.

Posta Rangers came right back in it after Kennedy Owino latched onto a Michael Apudo cross at the near post from a quick corner by Brian Marita in the 59th minute.

 

The match turned into a heated affair with both teams fighting for possession.Sharks had the upper hand resulting into a corner in the 61st minute. Patilah Omoto floated it at the back post to find Erick Mata with a somewhat diving header to put Sharks back in the driving seat.

Sharks did not take their foot off the gas pedal, Erick Mata once again bursted through the right with Apudo checking him he laid the ball to Geoffrey Onyango who sliced his pass to Felix Oluoch for a a sitter but the latter skied his effort.

Issa Lumumba and Steve Otieno were later introduced for Erick Mata and Geoffrey Onyango late into the match.

After matchday 27 comes 28

The Sharkmen will be up against a tough Gor Mahia in an away fixture at William Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok on 1st May 2022.