Posta Rangers opened their FKF Premier League season with a comeback that spoke less of luck than of grit. Down a goal at half-time, they fought back to beat Mathare United 2–1 at the Kasarani Annex on Monday evening.
It was a statement win for coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo, whose side had scraped through last season’s relegation play-off. “At one moment we were down, but we kept fighting to equalise,” Omollo said after the match. “That shows how much the players’ mentality has changed.”
Mathare, known to their fans as the Slum Boys, struck first just before the interval. Veteran midfielder Ellie Asieche calmly converted a penalty, leaving Rangers to chase the game in the second half.
Instead of fading, Rangers pressed. Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when Faustine Ojiambo pounced on a loose ball to draw level. Twelve minutes later, substitute Trevor Omondi, making his Premier League debut, scored the decisive goal. The 85th-minute strike sent Rangers’ supporters into celebration and underlined Omollo’s point about the squad’s new-found resilience.
The coach praised Omondi’s impact. “His first outing in top-flight football really changed the game,” Omollo said, tipping the youngster for a bright future. He also welcomed the team’s willingness to push forward, noting that Brian Yakhama and Maxwell Odada had chances to widen the lead. “I’m happy we are creating opportunities,” he said. “In this league, that is not easy.”
The victory sets up a tough test this weekend against Tusker FC at the Machakos Stadium. Tusker, one of the league’s heavyweights, will be eager to recover after losing 2–0 to KCB in their opener.
For Omollo, the bigger picture is clear. A year ago, Rangers looked fragile. This time, he insists, they are stronger in mind and sharper on the ball. “These are the things that will help our team,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with them to make us even better.”
About the Author
