Nairobi City Stars went down 1-0 to Posta Rangers and drew 1-1 against multiple league champions Gor Mahia in friendly games played at Jamhuri Grounds on Saturday 21 November 2020.
In the first game of three on the day, City Stars were even with Rangers till late when striker Ezekiel Okare pounced on a spilled ball to sink in the loner.
In the second game, a second lot City Stars lost a penalty in the first half but still led 1-0 at half time before Gor Mahia rallied to share the spoils in the next half.
Skipper Anthony Muki Kimani saw his spot kick in the 16th minute, earned after fast Davis Agesa was felled in the box, hit the upright as City Stars missed the chance to go up.
City Stars however recovered from that penalty loss two minutes after the half hour mark when stopper Salim Abdalla headed home a pin-point cross from the left by Erick Ombija.
Into the second half, Gor forced a penalty two minutes after the restart, and skipper Kenneth Muguna beat keeper Steven Njunge for the leveler.
In the game played after, Posta Rangers went on to beat Gor Mahia 1-0 thanks to an Elijah Mwanzia goal in the first half.
After, City Stars head coach Sanjin Alagic denoted his satisfaction from his view of the two latest friendly games;
“Both City Stars teams really played well and I am satisfied at how each player gave a real push in the games. The level of play has gone up and I can now say we are good to go.”
Squads
Game 1
Posta Rangers: Buryne Omondi, Simon Mbugua (Otieno Opala), Hamisi Salim, Dickens Mwena, Yusuf Juma, Cavin Odongo (Peter Nganga), Kevin Otieno, William Odera, Ezekiel Okare (Bill Oporia), Eliud Lokuwam (Eliud Owalo), Ken Mutembei
Coach: Sammy Pamzo Omolo
City Stars: Jacob Osano (Elvis Ochoro), John Kamau, Wesley Onguso, Edwin Buliba, Calvin Masawa, Sven Yidah, Azizi Okaka, Rodgers Okumu, Timothy Ouma, Vincent Otieno, Ezekiel Odera
Coach: Sanjin Alagic (Bosnia)
Game 2
Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews, Charles Momanyi, Philemon Otieno, Andrew Juma, Kelvin Wesonga, Kenneth Muguna, Bernard Ondiek, John Ochieng (Sidney Ochieng), Sammy Onyango, Dickson Raila, Alpha Onyango
Coach: Roberto Oliveira Goncalves (Brazil)
City Stars: Steve Njunge, Herit Mungai, Kenedy Onyango (Edwin Buliba), Salim Abdallah, Wycliffe Otieno, Peter Opiyo, Elvis Ojiambo, Anthony Kimani (Vincent Otieno), Oliver Maloba, Erick Ombija (Rodgers Okumu), Davis Agesa
Coach: Sanjin Alagic (Bosnia)
Out for City Stars: Ebrima Sanneh, Yusuf Lubowa Mukisa, Charles Otieno (All injured), Rowland Makati, Ronney Kola (loan – Nairobi Stima), Jimmy Bageya (sick)