Ogam strikes 13th goal of the season as Tusker see off Posta Rangers

Tusker FC forward Ryan Ogam celebrates scoring against Posta Rangers FC during their FKF Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on December 21, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Golden boot hopeful Ryan Ogam netted his 13th goal of the season as Tusker came from a goal down to hammer relegation threatened Posta Rangers 3-1 in a FKF Premier League match staged at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

Ogam leads the top goal scorers chart with 13 goals after 14 matches, averaging one goal per game as the league breaks for Christmas holiday this weekend.

Ivan Ochieng gave Rangers who have only won one match in their last 12 matches the lead in the 32^nd minute, a narrow 1-0 advantage that was short-lived after the FKF Premier League top scorer Ogam celebrated his 20^th birthday with an equalizer almost instantly.

Shami Mwinyi (L) of Posta Rangers FC contest for the ball with Thomas Omole of Tusker FC during their FKF Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on December 21, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Reacting swiftly after going behind, a cut back from Thomas Omole who disposed Rangers goal scorer Ochieng, was finished by Ogam who tied the scores at 1-1 in the 33^rd minute after beating Bixente Otieno in goal.

Four minutes later, Thomas Teka gave the brewers the lead after finishing off a corner delivered by Dennis Wanjala as Tusker went to the break leading 2-1.

In the final half, Rangers came out more aggressive but could not match Tusker's confident defending in the early stages of the second half.

While Rangers looked for a life line with an equalizer, Tusker were pushing for a game killer, a gift that came to the brewers rather unlikely when Ranger keeper Otieno saw red in the 78^th minute for bringing down goal-bound Omole outside the box.

Tusker FC players celebrate a goal against Posta Rangers FC during their FKF Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on December 21, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

With the numerical advantage, Tusker sealed the win in the 86th minute when Charles Momanyi rose higher to head home Yusuf Mainge's cross for 3-1.

The win lifted Tusker to joint top of the standings alongside KCB with 27 points albeit with a game in hand over the bankers. Rangers remain bottom of the table after the defeat.