Drona Openda's strike secures Mara Sugar's first ever win over Posta Rangers

Mara Sugar FC secured a vital 1-0 victory over Posta Rangers in a tightly contested FKF Premier League clash staged at Awendo Green Stadium on Monday, 6 April, with captain Drona Openda’s second-half penalty proving the difference.

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In the sole Easter Monday fixture wrapping up Matchweek 27, both sides, locked on 31 points and hovering just above the relegation zone, approached the encounter with urgency, fully aware of the stakes in the battle for survival.

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Ultimately, Mara held their nerve to claim maximum points with the victory becoming their first against Posta Rangers, as all their previous three games ended in a 1-1 draw since the first encounter back in October 2024.

Heading into the contest, Mara Sugar, in only their second top-flight campaign, were keen to build on last season’s narrow escape and steer further clear of danger.

For Posta Rangers, whose campaign has been defined by inconsistency, the match offered an opportunity to ease mounting pressure and strengthen their survival hopes with just seven rounds remaining.

The hosts began on the front foot, asserting early dominance and carving out a series of chances.

Robinson Musungu came close to opening the scoring as early as the third minute, rising highest to meet Jimmy Owidi’s inviting delivery, but his header drifted narrowly wide.

Moments later, Harun Thomas tested goalkeeper Bixente Otieno after a well-worked move involving Aineah Ndete and Owidi, only for the shot to be parried away.

Mara continued to pile on the pressure, with Timothy Ndayala and Cliff Nyakeya both going close in a lively opening spell.

However, despite their dominance, the breakthrough remained elusive.

Posta Rangers gradually grew into the contest and nearly snatched the lead against the run of play.

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Jackson Macharia came closest, connecting with a curling delivery from captain Caleb Olilo, but his effort was bravely blocked.

Olilo himself later tested Joseph Ogenda with a low drive, while Eliud Lukwago and Brian Marita combined well in attack, though their final efforts lacked precision.

As the half wore on, both sides exchanged chances in an end-to-end spell.

David Omondi forced a fine fingertip save from Otieno with a powerful header, while Marita came inches away from breaking the deadlock after a dazzling run down the flank.

Nonetheless, the two sides went into the break tied in a goalless scoreline.

Mara resumed the second half with renewed intensity, determined to turn their dominance into goals.

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Substitute Alex Imbusia nearly made an instant impact, narrowly missing the target after connecting with Thomas’ cross.

Posta responded through Maxwell Odada, who burst through on goal but failed to hit the target with a hurried finish.

The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when Mara were awarded a penalty following a handball by Odada, who struggled to deal with Nyakeya’s teasing chip ball delivery.

Openda stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick, sending Otieno the wrong way to hand the hosts a deserved lead.

Posta Rangers pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Bernard Odhiambo and Faustine Ojiambo both coming close, but their efforts failed to find the target.

Mara nearly doubled their advantage late on through Dennis Cheruiyot, whose long-range strike forced another fine save from Otieno.

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Despite late pressure from the visitors, Mara Sugar remained resolute at the back to see out the win and secure all three points.

The victory lifts the Francis Xavier-coached side to 34 points, opening a crucial nine-point gap above the relegation zone and significantly boosting their survival prospects.

However, for Posta Rangers, the defeat leaves them precariously placed, just six points above the drop zone, with pressure mounting on coach Charles 'Korea' Omondi as the season enters its decisive phase.