Thiong’o claims quickfire brace as Posta Rangers condemn Sofapaka

Former AFC Leopards winger Peter Thiong'o bagged a quickfire brace to help Posta Rangers register a 3-1 win over Sofapaka in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Thiong'o, who left Ingwe in the just-concluded transfer window, scored in the second half as the Mailmen claimed their second straight victory in the 2023/24 season.

Posta Rangers managed a 3-0 win over Kenya Police in their previous match and were as dominant against Sofapaka as they were against the Law Enforcers.

Sofapaka were beaten 1-0 by Bandari in their last game, and the loss to Posta Rangers has denied them crucial points and a recovery.

Meanwhile, Sofapaka looked more determined when the game started at Kasarani Annex. Batoto ba Mungu almost broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, but Humphrey Mieno, the experienced midfielder who signed after leaving Tusker, was denied by the opponents, who made a quick clearance.

Another chance for the 2009 Premier League winners came in the 13th minute, but Moussa Omar saw his header fly over the bar, thereby wasting an opportunity to put his side ahead.

After allowing Sofapaka much of the ball possession, the Mailmen started attacking towards the end of the first half but were let down by their inability to convert a series of corners into goals.

In the 40th minute, there was an open chance for Felix Oluoch, but he did not score as he failed to connect to a precisely delivered pass by Curtis Wekesa. Oluoch was at fault again in the 43rd minute when he headed wide from a cross brought into the box by Caleb Olilo.

Posta Rangers finally scored when Jackson Macharia, another player who joined the Mailmen from Tusker, scored. Macharia, a Premier League winner with the Brewers, slotted into the net after collecting a precise Olilo pass. 

Sofapaka would have pulled one back, but Abdul Razak, whose signing and return to the club were accompanied by high expectations, failed to beat Posta Rangers' goalkeeper Samuel Njau at close range.

After surviving the Razak scare, Posta Rangers recovered and scored their second goal in the 70th minute through Thiong'o. The former Kakamega Homeboyz forward then scored Rangers' third and his second of the afternoon in the 74th minute.

After conceding the quick goals, Sofapaka fought back and scored courtesy of Oliver Maloba in the 78th minute to deny Posta Rangers a clean sheet.

Batoto ba Mungu were determined to ensure they recovered fully but failed to convert a number of late chances. In the end, Posta Rangers held onto their lead and registered their second straight win of the season.