Late Assifuah Strike Rescues Gor Mahia Against Posta Rangers

League leaders Gor Mahia were forced to settle for a point after battling to a 1-1 draw with a determined Posta Rangers side in an intense FKF Premier League encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

Posta Rangers made several changes to their starting lineup, with Bixente Otieno handed the gloves ahead of Fredrick Otinda while Leon Kimungui and Jackson Macharia came in for Elvis Osok and Brian Marita. Gor Mahia also shuffled their squad, bringing in Bryne Omondi in goal in place of Gad Mathews, while Paul Ochuoga and Bryton Onyona returned to their familiar right and left back roles respectively.

The hosts started brightly and broke the deadlock in the early stages of the match when Jackson Macharia rose highest to meet a well delivered cross from Vincent Wasambo and headed home to give Posta Rangers the lead.

Gor Mahia almost responded immediately two minutes later when Bixente Otieno’s quick restart released Samuel Kapen, who laid the ball off to former Posta Rangers man Jackson Dwang. The forward struck the ball well but saw his effort crash against the woodwork to the relief of the home supporters.

The game remained competitive with both sides battling for control in midfield. Shariff Musa became the first player to enter the referee’s book after pulling down Olilo to stop a promising counter attack.

Just before halftime, Posta Rangers nearly doubled their advantage when Maloba attempted a close range effort that deflected off Odhiambo before goalkeeper Bryne Omondi reacted quickly to make the save, ensuring Gor Mahia trailed by only one goal heading into the break.

Gor Mahia emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency and began to push forward in search of an equaliser. A deflected effort from Jackson Dwang in the 50th minute forced Posta Rangers to concede a corner as the visitors increased the pressure.

In response, Gor Mahia made a double substitution with Ben Stanley Omondi and Ebenezer Adukwaw coming on for Jackson Dwang and Samuel Kapen as they looked to inject fresh energy into their attack.

Despite Gor Mahia’s growing dominance, Posta Rangers defended resolutely and looked set to claim a memorable victory against the league leaders.

However, the decisive moment arrived late in the match with just three minutes remaining. Enock Morrison delivered a dangerous cross into the area which substitute goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo failed to deal with cleanly. Ghanaian striker Ebenezer Assifuah reacted quickest at the back post, controlling the ball on his chest before finishing calmly to secure a dramatic equaliser for K’Ogalo.

The late goal ensured Gor Mahia maintained their grip at the top of the FKF Premier League standings, although the dropped points could encourage their closest challengers.

Speaking after the match, Gor Mahia’s head coach admitted his side had started the game slowly but praised their resilience to fight back.

He noted that the team looked sluggish in the opening stages but improved significantly after the break when they adjusted their approach. He added that securing the equaliser was important because losing the match would have been a major setback.

For Posta Rangers, the result will feel bittersweet after coming so close to claiming a famous win. Nevertheless, the performance demonstrated their ability to compete strongly against one of the league’s title favourites.

Both sides will now shift their attention to FKF Cup action, with Gor Mahia set to host giant killers BB Bread while Posta Rangers prepare to face Oinopsos in their next assignment.