Thika United Head coach John Njogu cut a frustrated figure after watching his side have an 80th minute goal chalked off for offside in their 1-0 defeat to Posta Rangers in a mid-week league fixture, played at Thika Sub-County Stadium.
The teams went to first-half break with equal strength despite the hosts conceding five corners, with Thika having two scrappy chances to take the lead.
In the 80th minute Thika United thought they had taken the lead, after making a break and beating the offside trap with Mukangula on a one one situation, the forward chose to lay a pass on a on rushing Masakidi, who slotted in an empty net.
But after some discussion between referee Josaih Awiti and the linesman Oliver Odhiambo, the goal was ruled out.
Speaking about the incident, Njogu said: We score a goal, the referee indicates a goal and points to the centre circle.
“The linesman indicates an offside.
“It’s very, very close. It doesn’t matter whether I agree or disagree – it’s given as offside my players lose concentration and we lose the game.
“For me there was an opportunity today.”
Half time 0-0
Posta started the game brightly and only a smart save from Elliud Emase prevented Mukaisi from heading them in front in the fifth minute when Simon Mbugua picked him out in the box.
Eugene Mukangula had a chance to put his side ahead in the 13th minute, after beating his markers but his final touch was too heavy, to the delight of the on rushing keeper.
Second half drama
The hosts pushed for an opener in the second period, with Agesa Davies and Shami Kibwana going close on a couple of occasions but Posta managed to keep them at bay until ten minutes to stoppage.
Shortly after Thika United controversial disallowed goal in the 80th minute, the visitors pilled pressure on Thika United’s back-line and a feeble clearance by Michael Mutinda in the 83rd minute, fell on the path of Titus Achesa who took a rather weak shot in a forest of legs and securing a 1-0 win for the visitors.FT 0-1
Thika United have no time to lick the wounds of today’s loss as Sunday awaits with a journey away to Machakos to play Mathare United in their second match of the second leg.Report by Ken_Magu.