Nairobi City Stars will host Posta Rangers at Ruaraka on Saturday 14 August 2021 from 1 pm and not 3 pm as had earlier been planned.
As communicated by the FKF Premier League secretariat, the changes were made in the course of the week to allow the same venue to accommodate one more game.
That second game, between defending champions Gor Mahia and Bidco United, will kick off at 3.15 pm.
“We note the changes in the match schedule, and we will adjust our planning accordingly ahead of matchday.” Said team coordinator Samson Otieno
Nairobi City Stars head coach John Amboko has trained his sights on the last but one fixture of the season against Posta Rangers set for Ruaraka on Saturday 14 August 2021 starting 1 pm.
The Rangers’ fight shows up on his menu a week after he had a 2-0 fall to Mathare United at the same venue last Saturday, a result that ended his two-game winning streak over big wigs Tusker (1-0) and AFC Leopards (2-1) at the same venue.
Against Mathare, Amboko was very thin on squad numbers due to injuries and suspensions and had to call on the rest of the lot for the game. Amboko was without seven regular starting players.
Field captain Anthony Muki Kimani, right-back Kevin Chumsy Okumu and stopper Salim Shitu Abdallah were out suspended while Peter Pinchez Opiyo, winger Rodgers Okuse Okumu, forward bully Davis Beast Agesa and flamboyant Oliver Maloba were all out injured.
In their absence, Amboko had to hand left-footer John Kamau only his first start of the season and utility back Edwin Buliba his second season start.
Buliba started at right-back but mid-way through the first half had to move and partner Kenedy Vidic Onyango at center back following the untimely exit of Wycliffe Otieno due to an ankle dislocation.
That led to the introduction of overall team captain Calvin Masawa as right back to clock only his third game of the season.
“We as a team were disappointed with the result we got against Mathare United. We did not play well enough to harvest the three points,” said Amboko
“Lack of player numbers, as well as unfamiliar combinations, had a bearing in the outcome of that game,”
“For the next match against Rangers we are working hard to continue improving.” He added
For the Rangers’ game, Amboko will be boosted by the return of five key players: Muki, Chumsy, Shitu, Maloba and Agesa.
Nairobi City Stars came from behind to tie Posta Rangers 1-1 in a seventh round Premier League clash played at Kasarani (outer) on Friday 8 January 2021.
Peter Pinchez Opiyo scored in the 54th minute for Nairobi City Stars to cancel out a 45th minute goal by Jackson Dwang to confirm a share of spoils against Posta Rangers for the sixth time in nine Premier League games since 2010.
Posta Rangers survived close shaves in the first quarter thanks to deft goalkeeping from Jairus Adira.
He had a triple save in the sixth minute denying Erick Ombija who sniffed at goal after connecting to an inch perfect delivery from Pinchez. Follow up rebounds from skipper Anthony Muki Kimani and one more by Pinchez were all stopped by the keeper.
The near misses set the tone for the game and just a minute later Pinchez attempted a near post shot off a corner that Adira once again stopped as well as a 13th minute connection from Sven Yidah off a Herit Mungai pass from the left.
Steve Njunge in City Stars was called to action five minutes after when he dived the right way to force a fruitless corner off a Dennis Oalo pile driver from a distance.
From the half hour mark Rangers gained momentum in the game and in the 35th minute Dwang had an attempt on goal only for his header to go straight to Njunge’s arms.
A minute later Rangers skipper Joseph Mbugi sent homeward a long ranger only to weave wide at the far post.
Three minutes on Dwang also had a similar attempt and the result was the same. He was not to be denied at the stroke of half time when he directed a Francis Nambute cross home from a tight angle for the opening goal.
Nine minutes into the second half stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla skied a shot. Just two minutes later it was all even when Erick Ombija powered a header goalward that Rangers keeper spilled for Pinchez to burry home the leveler. He could have registered his brace just two minutes later but Adira came out tops to stop his goal bound shot.
Davis Agesa, on for Azizi Okaka at half time, had a header sent out for a corner at the hour mark as City Stars continued to pile on the pressure.
Rangers had a glorious chance to double their scores had Njunge not tipped a fine cross from the left by Elvis Osok in the 80th minute. A series of corners for Rangers followed in the dying minutes but to avail.
The game was to end with a bizarre incident as Adira knocked down City Stars substitute Rodgers Okuse Okumu way out of his area to be served a second yellow in the game and marching orders. He had been booked earlier on in the 53rd minute for time wasting.
A freekick off that incident saw Agesa’s header from Pinchez’s dead ball fly marginally wide bringing the game to an end.
With the point earned, City Stars moved to the nine point mark but still maintain fifth spot as Rangers remain tenth with five points from as many successive draws.
Next up for City Stars is a game against Ulinzi Stars in Nairobi on Saturday 16 January 2021.
Lineups
Posta Rangers: 21. Jairus Adira (29. Bryne Omondi – 90+5), 3. Timothy Omondi, 22. Elvis Osok, 41. Dickens Mwema, 26. Osman Ngotho, 4. Joseph Mbugi, 12. Francis Nambute (31. Georson Likonoh,-65), 27. Clinton Kisiavuki (11. Eliud Lokuwam-81), 39. Ezekiel Okare, 10. Jackson Dwang (30. Simon Omondi – 90+5), 7. Dennis Oalo (6. Cavin Odongo-81)
Unused subs: 40. Charles Odete, 28. Emmanuel Pala, 8. Peter Ngángá, 14. Bill Oporia
Coach: Pascal Ochieng
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 10. Peter Opiyo, 18. Sven Yidah (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-90), 30. Anthony Kimani (32. Ezekiel Odera-90), 27. Azizi Okaka (11. Davis Agesa-46), 21. Oliver Maloba (7. Rodgers Okumu -71), 24. Erick Ombija
Unused subs: 16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 12. Edwin Buliba, 20. Timothy Ouma
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 3. Charles Otieno (arm pain), 8. Calvin Masawa (ankle injury), 15. John Kamau, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)
Coach: Sanjin Alagic
Yellow cards: Jackson Dwang-35, Elvis Osok-81, Jairus Adira -53, 90+5 (All Posta Rangers)
Match Officials: Dr. Peter Waweru Kamaku (Centre Ref), Okoth (Match Comm), Gilbert Cheruiyot (AR1), Samuel Kuria (AR2), Israel (Fourth Official)
City Stars midfielder Oliver Maloba on the ball in a 7th round Premier League tie against Posta Rangers at Kasarani on Fri 8 Jan 2021. Rangers captain Joseph Mbugi looks on
Kenedy ”Vidic’ Onyango takes on a Posta Rangers player during a 7th round Premier League game on Fri 8 Jan 2021 at Kasarani
Salim ‘Shitu’ Abdalla keeps tabs on Posta Rangers winger Eliud Lokuwam during a 7th round Premier League game on Fri 8th Jan 2021 at Kasarani. The game ended 1-1
Entry of keeper Jacob Osano and left back Wesley Onguso Arasa are part of four changes effected to the 20-man squad named to face Posta Rangers in a round seven Premier League game set for Kasarani on Friday 8 January 2021 starting 3pm.
After missing out on the first six games into the Premier League season, Osano and Onguso have made it to the match day and are in search for their debut top flight games for Simba wa Nairobi.
Osano missed the initial games largely due to sickness and will now take up the place of teenage keeper Elvis Ochoro who has been acting as the understudy for Steve Njunge.
Onguso has been onboarded to contest a place against his former employers Rangers of overall team captain Calvin Masawa who suffered an ankle injury in training in the lead up to the game.
Till his injury setback, Masawa had made the squad for all the games into the season.
A third change sees the return of dependable forward Davis Agesa Amuyunzu sat out the last three games against Bidco United, Vihiga United and Wazito due to illness. He takes up the place of midfielder Charles Chale Otieno who was forced out due to a swollen arm.
The final change is on flyer Rodgers Okumu who returns after missing out the Wazito game. He takes up the place of John Kamau who featured in the last game as a substitute.
Ugandan defender Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa who was hoping for a place in the squad was left out after a muscle tear on his calf
Squad to face Posta Rangers FC
16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 10. Peter Opiyo, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 30. Anthony Kimani, 21. Oliver Maloba, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 12. Edwin Buliba, 18. Sven Yidah, 20. Timothy Ouma,22. Wycliffe Otieno, 24. Erick Ombija, 11. Davis Agesa, 7. Rodgers Okumu
Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (rehab), 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (muscle tear), 3. Charles Otieno (arm pain), 8. Calvin Masawa (ankle injury), 15. John Kamau, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK)
Nairobi City Stars will face off with host Posta Rangers in a round seven Premier League clash at Kasarani Stadium on Friday 8 January 2021 starting 3pm.
From the record books, the Friday duel will be the ninth matchup for the two in the top flight since 2010, and the first since they last faced off on 10 July 2016.
8 previous KPL games
Across the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016 premier league seasons, Posta Rangers has played against City Stars eight times; four at home and as many times away.
Of the eight, City Stars has one win, Rangers two with the other five games ending in draws. Three of the draws have been 0-0, the other two as 1-1.
In games hosted by Rangers, two two sides have each picked one win a piece with the other two ending in draws.
In July 2010, Francis Thairu, Arthur Museve and Levy Muaka scored a goal each as visiting City Stars dispatched Rangers 3-1 at City Stadium. Isiah Omondi scored the consolation.
In May 2011 Rangers as the home team avenged the 2010 defeat at Nyayo Stadium after registering a 2-1 win. Charles Okwemba and Edwin Mwaura scored for the mailboys as Arthur Museve’s penalty was City Stars response.
The next two home games for Rangers in November 2012 and July 2016 at City Stadium and Afraha Stadium, respectively, ended in 0-0 draws.
Beyond the eight games, and in the most recent meeting, Rangers tested City Stars back in November 2020 at the Jamhuri Showground in a preseason friendly. They won the game 1-0.
Coaches and venues
In the upcoming game, Simba wa Nairobi will be led to the pitch by Bosnian Sanjin Alagic who will become the seventh coach to lead the team against Rangers.
The first four games in 2010 and 2011 were coached by Ken Odhiambo and the last four were handled by four separate coaches; Gideon Ochieng, Gambian Bai Malleh Wadda, John Bobby Ogola and Ugandan Richard Tamale Pinto, in that order.
Pinto was the last man in charge when the team’s faced off in July 2016, with Zedekiah Zico Otieno in charge for Posta. Sammy Pamzo Omollo will be handling Rangers in the Friday meet where the two sides will be facing off at Kasarani for the first time ever.
Three of the last eight games between the two were held at City Stadium, two apiece at Nyayo Stadium and Hope Centre and one at Afraha Stadium.
Which way?
Keep tuned to our social media channels for updates on the game.
Summary
KPL games: 8 (Posta Rangers wins (2), Nairobi City Stars wins (1), Draws (5)
List of games
28-Mar-10; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, City Stadium, 1-1 [ Francis Thairu (78)//Charles Pilipili (85)]
10-Jul-10; Posta Rangers vs City Stars, City Stadium, 1-3 [Francis Thairu (35,), Arthur Museve (54), Levy Muaka (90+1), //Isaiah Omondi (24)]
29-May-11, Posta Rangers vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 [ Arthur Museve (23 – pen)//Charles Okwemba (10), Edwin Mwaura (56)]
30-Jul-11; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Hope Centre, 1-1 [Pascal Ochieng (63 – Own goal)//Edwin Mwaura (70)]
19-Feb-12, City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Hope Centre, 0-0
3-Nov-12, Posta Rangers vs City Stars, City Stadium, 0-0
22-May-16; City Stars vs Posta Rangers, Nyayo Stadium, 0-1 [Georson Likonoh (21)]
10-Jul-16; Posta Rangers vs City Stars, Afraha Stadium, 0-0
