Western Stima ‘two good’ for Rangers

Teenage sensation Benson Ochieng ‘Omalla’ continued with his terrific form scoring one while former Gor Mahia midfielder Baron Ochieng added the other to help Western Stima to a 2-0 home victory against Posta Rangers at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Ulinzi Stars were held to a disappointing barren draw by Wazito, while visiting KCB registered a similar result against Nzoia Sugar at the Sudi Stadium.

Stima who face uncertain times following the withdrawal of sponsor Kenya Power and Lighting Company(KPLC) had Postal Rangers on the ropes for long spells of the match grabbing their two goals in an oozy display of might in the second half.

The victory moves the power men to 36 points, four adrift of sixth placed AFC Leopards (prior to the match between Gor and Ingwe primed for tomorrow at the Kasarani).

The first half was a dull affair with the fans crying out for a moment of brilliance. Stima playing at home, in front of a good crowd, looked the most likely to draw the first blood though. Attacking midfielder Villa Oromchan was first to go closest as he saw his headed effort sail agonisingly over the bar in the 19^th minute.

One minute later he was back at it this time failing to connect with the ball after being teed up by right back Kevin Mango whose marauding run had left the Rangers defenders mummified.

Rangers were forced into an early substitution with defender Kevin Ouma suffering a suspected hamstring injury, his place taken by Omondi Simon who filled at right back while Odete Charles moved to pair with Suleiman Osman in the middle.

A sense of expectation greeted Omalla every time he touched the ball; however seeing him hit the deck after a challenge by defender Osman Suleiman was met by hush jeers towards the Posta man. He would however re-announce himself back into the action in unwanted circumstances picking up a yellow card after handling the ball.

He would however get his say in the day’s proceedings after he found himself unmarked in the area in the 59th minute to tap the ball into an empty net following a touchdown by strike partner Villa Oromchan.

The goal seemed to re-energize the Kisumu Day student; lazy defending from Odete Charles saw him through on goal but his railing shot just dragged wide.

Posta Rangers were all over the place with coach Sammy Omollo hardly believing his eyes as he watched former Gor Mahia man Baron Ochieng dart down the wing before cutting in and sending his shot into the bottom corner with five minutes to go.

The result condemns Posta Rangers to their seventh defeat of the season with 30 points compounded by picking only two points from their last five outings.

They will hardly be hoping for respite when they next face log leaders Gor Mahia while Stima have an easier looking affair against struggling neighbors Kisumu All Stars.