THIKA DRAWS WESTERN STIMA
After dramatically coming back from 2 goals down to level with the 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars last weekend in Thika Municipal Stadium, Thika United collected another vital point away from home in Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium against Western Stima FC, thanks to Kepha Aswani’s superbly taken free kick from outside 35 yards.
With only 7 minutes of play, United were awarded a direct free kick 35 yard out after Moses Arita was hacked down by towering Stima defender Robert Kwaye. Dead ball specialist and United’s skipper made no mistake planting the ball at the right hand corner of Mandela’s goal.
A lapse in concentration at United’s back proved costly as Stima snatched an equalizer only 6 minutes later through Wesley Kemboi after Thika United’s custodian Lucas Indeche parred the ball onto his path, this was surely a handsome gift for Stima and a nasty slip for United who looked destined for their first win of the season.
Minutes later Moses Arita alsmost made it two for the visitors but Madela palmed away his effort for a corner, Joseph Kuria took the resultant corner kick which was surely another near miss by substitute Andrew Kulecho for the visitors who had just replaced Kennedy Otieno, almost scoring with his first touch on the ball. Kulecho’s goal bound header was swept off the line by the ever fighting Kwaye at the heart of Stima’s defence.
United suffered a setback at the early stages of the match loosing Kennedy Otieno who was stretched off only 10 minutes into the game.
At the breather the battle was tied at one apiece but it was surely the visitors who commanded much of the proceedings
On restart, United started off where they had left with long ball to Moses Arita who was once again denied by Mandela’s feet. This was purely a dominant performance by John Kamau’s youthful side.
The hosts made 3 substitutes in a bid to rejuvenate their attacked which was a bit silent this afternoon but all had little impacts to the game. Thika on the hand brought on teenager John Nairuka for substitute Andrew kulecho who limped off after a nasty collision.
This was the second time within an hour that Kamau was loosing a player through injury, it was surely not Thika United’s day.
In the end it was Thika 1 Stima 1, but was a very positive result for the visitors youthful squad. This was the first point United has collected against Stima for last three season, the last being a 2-2 draw during the inaugural Supersports/Dstv sponsored KPL league of 2008.
Amazingly, Thika’s Francis Kahata was voted man of the match by football fans at the stadium who presented him with a cash award for his excellent display and performance at the middle of the pack.
Thika United will return home for their next match against champions Tusker FC who had no assignments this weekend for their involvement in the Africa Club Championship match agaisnt Rwanda’s champions APR.
Entry tickets will be on sale at the entrance on the match day starting at noon and will sell at Kshs 100 per person, We wish Thika United FC the best and hope to see you all there.
About Mike Gitere
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