Two late changes by Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia salvaged a point for the Thika based side who rallied from a goal down to hold Posta Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Thika Stadium on Saturday.Akkhlia’s decision to introduce Stephen Waruru and Brian Nyakan inside the final ten minutes of the game proved right as the latter headed home a freekick from the former in the 90th minute to rescue a point.A decent first half show coupled by a goal from Brian Otieno seemed enough to give Rangers the 12th win of the season but Bidco left it late to dent their chances of a top three finish.The game was off to a sluggish start with both team sizing up each other and opting to knock the ball around without making any serious goal onslaught. Rangers had a penalty claim in the 13th minute shot down after Bidco custodian Edwin Mukolwe planted his palms on Brian Otieno’s head while attempting to punch a cross delivered by Brian MaritaA minute later, the Bidco technical bench had their hearts skip a beat after Mukolwe leaped to gather another cross from Timothy Otieno only to casually spill the ball to the path of Jackson Dwang who had an empty net staring at him. However, the youthful goalkeeper had Francis Oduor’s long legs to thank as the centre back reacted quickest to clear the ball ahead of Dwang who was preparing to tap in the opener. The wasted opportunity saw Rangers boss Salim Ali go up on his feet to express displeasure with the lack of precision in the final third as well as give fresh instructions. The command from the certified instructor seemed to yield fruits as Rangers stepped up and constantly asked questions at the Bidco’s area that had legs clustered all over just to protect Mukolwe from the flying missiles. A quick counterattack in the 33rd minute down the left wing opened up the stubborn Bidco defense as Marita whipped in a pin point cross that Brian Otieno expertly backheeled past Mukolwe at the near post. Four minutes after Rangers grabbed the lead, Bidco’s Kassim Mwinyi thought he had drawn side level after tapping in a loose ball in the box but the offside flag cut short his celebrations. Mwinyi who had stepped into the Rangers territory hoping to head in a freekick from Emmanuel Mogaka would dinked in the second ball after Adira had punched the initial attempt. After watching his side get schooled for the better part of the first half, Akhulia rung two changes before restart where Nelson Chieta and Alex Juma came in for Zachary Gathu and David Gateri respectively. Juma had a near almost impact upon introduction as he let out a ferocious left footed shot few metres from the box that swayed inches off the target with a fully stretching Adira well beaten. The fresh legs injected the much needed urgency as Bidco stabilized and began enjoying dominance but lack of razor sharpen forward line worked against their plan of drawing level as a host of chances went begging. Akhulia made his third change in the 65th minute, handing John Nairuka the opportunity to hurt his former employer as the stocky player replaced Emmanuel Mogaka who was largely ineffective. To counter the threat from the hosts, Ali summoned the duo of Patrick Otieno and Joshua Nyatini to rest the weary Marita and Dwang in the 70th minute. Timothy Otieno paved way for Chrispinus Onyango three minutes later. Despite making changes, Bidco continued to raid the Rangers goal and when it proved difficult in penetrating, Akhulia threw in Stephen Waruru and Brian Nyakan for Gichimu and Juma.The two would combine to level matters deep into stoppage time where Nyakan rose high to head in a freekick from Waruru.Bidco United XIEdwin Mukolwe, David Kalama, Lambert Oyuga, Kassim Mwinyi, Francis Oduor, Zachary Gathu (Nelson Chieta) , David Gateri (Alex Juma 45, Stephen Waruru 83 ), Emmanuel Mogaka (John Nairuka 65), Eric Gichimu (Brian Nyakan 83), Peter Nzuki, Jacob OnyangoUnused substitutesEzekiel Owade, Geoffrey Gitau,Stephen Okiro, Lameck OlooPosta Rangers XI Jairus Adira, Sammy Imbuye, Michael Apudo, Kennedy Odhiambo, David Ochieng, Benard Ondiek, Brian Marita (Patrick Otieno) , Sammy Odero, Timothy Otieno (Chrispinus Onyango 73), Jackson Dwang (Joshua Nyatini 70), Brian Otieno ( Caleb Olilo 80) Unused substitutes Samuel Njau, Suleiman Ngotho, Dinken Mwema, Timothy Wanyanga, Victor Ndinya
