KPL: Thika United break jinx as Brewers narrow gap

Stephen Odhiambo ( left) of Western Stima and Simon Mbugua of Thika United vie for the ball at Ruaraka Grounds. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO]

Thika United has finally broken a six-year winless jinx against rivals Western Stima in the KPL courtesy of Michael Olunga’s classic tap in the 70th minute at Ruaraka grounds yesterday.

Towering Olunga converted Moses Odhiambo’s sleazy left pass to make the score 1-0 for Thika who had earlier played a more defensive role in the first half.

Olunga who replaced Suleiman Ngotho, played well in the initial stages but this did not yield fruits till head coach John Kamau brought in midfielder David King’atua and Dennis Odhiambo in the defence.

Odhiambo displayed dazzling skills on left wing - creating a neat chance for Olunga to net the fine goal.

“It did not matter the way we played. What’s important here are the points,” Kamau told FeverPitch. “I am glad we were able to get a win against them after six years without.”
Western Stima head coach Henry Omino said he was glad he lost honourably after giving their opponents a run for their money.

Earlier at the same venue, Tusker managed to close the gap between them and defending champions Gor Mahia by hitting KCB 2-0.

Jesse Were and Ismael Ndunga notched a goal each. Were drilled in a 40-yard shot in the 55th minute that went past KCB custodian Zachary Onyango. Dunga was able to put matters beyond the visitor’s reach by guiding a weak mid pass into the net in the 78th minute.

The two sides had a fruitless first half with the hosts missing crucial chances. Resurgent KCB had looked promising in the start of the second half with Bethwel Warambo hitting the cross bar in the 46th minute.

Tusker’s coach Francis Kimanzi said: “It’s a matter of time before we command the standings again. Soon we will be on steering wheel again.”

KCB coach Rishadi Shedu said he is hopeful he will steer the team into winning ways very soon.