Posta Rangers stay top with Kariobangi Sharks victory as Murang’a Seal edge Nzoia

© Kariobangi Sharks

FKFPL Posta Rangers stay top with Kariobangi Sharks victory as Murang’a Seal edge Nzoia

Festus Chuma 17:49 - 30.09.2023

Murang’a Seal aimed for redemption while Posta Rangers secured victory with an early strike against Kariobangi Sharks.

Debutants Murang'a Seal ended Saturday evening in second place in the 2023/2024 league standings following a 1-0 win over Nzoia Sugar as Posta Rangers remained top following a similar victory over Kariobangi Sharks. 

Seal were keen to return to winning ways after losing two of their previous matches while they were looking for their third win of the season.

Both teams were limited to shots from range in the early exchanges, with the first attempt on target coming in the 27th minute of the match. 

A long throw-in from Ian Simiyu caused Seal all sorts of problems, and Joseph Oyugi pounced, directing a powerful header on goal, but the visitors' goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa was up to the task on debut.

Seal had another chance via the head of John Kiplang'at on the cusp of half-time following creativity from a set-piece situation, but the midfielder failed to hit the target with his effort.

Seal aimed to punish the Sugar Millers on the counter-attack with the introduction of Wilson Kamau and Victor Odhiambo. The latter aimed a rasping shot at Fred Mangala’s goal in the 67th minute, but the Nzoia goalkeeper took all the sting out of the shot before gathering on the rebound.

Five minutes later, Naaman Balecho connected well with Batts Awita's cross, slotting it home past Mangala.

Nzoia striker Victor Maliachi received the ball inside the Seal box six minutes later and forced Munyala into a low save as the hosts searched for the equalising goal.

In the 88th minute, Samuel Semo chipped the ball into the Seal box for his teammate, but the goalkeeper came out to make an easy save.

The shot-stopper then produced a great save to deny Brian Wepo a late equalizer with ten minutes left on the clock to ensure that Seal walked away 1-0 winners on the day.

Sharks 0-1 Posta

Meanwhile, at Kasarani Annex, Posta Rangers secured a 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks, with Patrick Otieno scoring the lone goal for the mailmen in the seventh minute of the match. 

The win solidified Posta Rangers' position at the top of the league standings with 13 points from five matches played this season.

In their upcoming match on October 6 in Nairobi, Rangers will face Nzoia Sugar, while Murang’a Seal will welcome Sofapaka at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.