27th April – 2008
Thika Stadium
Posted by: Jimmie Kairu.

It was all joy and jubilation as Thika United beat World Hope 3 goals to nothing today at Thika Municipal stadium.

The goals which came during the second half made the fans not glued to their seats but always on toes as they cheered and danced towards their favorite team.

With both teams having everything to play for, the hosts have not lost at home and visitors are have not lost any match in the league, immense pressure and hard work ensured that the teams were also there to defend their ambitions.

Joseph Mwangi got the opening goal only 3 minutes after restart when he received a precise pass from the new kid on the block and United's captain of the day Dennis Omino. His low drive from the edge of the box slid into the left hand corner of Nkurinkiriye's goal giving the hosts the zeal to continue and the spirit to put more pressure.

It was through this goal that United opened a new page in the ran of play which saw Joseph Mwangi's combine perfectly with captain Denis Omino and Michael Ndungu in pursuit of more goals. 

Michael Ndungu picked Joseph Mwangi with a long ball to the left who with a well executed first touch and from a similar position as the first, he drove hard with an equally perfect second only to be denied by the now overworked Christian in the visitors goal who only managed to palm the ball back into play and onto the path of the on rushing Edwin Kosgey to hammer home his first for the season and second for United.

To seal it off, Paul Anunda who came in as a substitute for Geoffrey Muhando in the 68th minute banked the ball into the net 2 minutes into injury time with a low drive just outside the area to crown an outstanding display in this exciting encounter. It was also Paul Anunda's first of the season and United's Third this evening.

This third goal excited the fans and the technical bench as well, and joy filled their eyes as they danced and shouted knowing that they had stolen the visitor’s glory by breaking their 7 matches unbeaten run.

Two season's ago, it was World Hope who broke United's hearts with 0 - 2 win over the then 13 matches unbeaten run by Thika United at the same venue. In essence this marked a double victory for United as it was a convincing win as well as it was a sweet revenge.

United tactical ability at the back four was evident and minimal mistakes in the mid – field ensured that the strikers had enough supply of emanations to fire at the opponent, though World Hope had the control of the midfield in the first half and forced the more experienced United midfield of Ivan Anthony, former national captain Nicholas Muyoti, international dead ball specialist Dennis Omino and teenage sensational midfielder Geoffrey Omwitsa look ordinary.

Though a lot of opportunities were missed during the first half, the hosts kept on pressuring the visitors which lead to their best performance of the season so far and great expectations from the fans.

Vincent Mugaka and Jefferson Ominde Agatha were clearing the ball and gave no space to the visitor’s top striker Thairo who was man marked full time and hence leaving a frustrated man.

The Keeper too David Okello was quick to save and ensure that no balls passed him this was evident when the visitors were counter attacking looking for a desperate opportunity to score but it did not auger well with them.

FIFA center referee Damaris Kimani ensured that it was a gentleman’s game and with her strict approach of the, there was not much to complain about from both teams unlike in the past premier league matches where clubs have openly expressed they dissatisfaction with officiating.

National U20 striker Stephen Kiaritha came on in the 80th minute replacing Edwin Kosgey, and his incredible runs and strength tormented the visitor back four almost getting United a fourth but was unlucky to see his point blank effort blocked by Christian's left boot for an unsuccessful corner kick.

Cards were issued by the referee as Muhando was booked for diving and Kiaritha for foul play as the referee Damaris Kimani gave deaf ears to the players and the bench as well.

Their controversial defeat at Awendo stadium against Sony Sugar was what propelled them to win this game and there goal margin against world Hope is the best so far and that has given them a boost to win against Chemilil this coming weekend.