Midfielder Lucas Maina credits tactical shift for Murang’a Seal’s second-half resurgence
The comeback saw Seal overturn a 2-0 halftime deficit after goals from Caleb Olilo and Faustine Ojiambo had given Posta Rangers the lead.
Murang’a Seal midfielder Lucas Maina credited belief, speed, and tactical discipline for inspiring his team’s second-half resurgence in their 2-2 draw against Posta Rangers at Kasarani Annex on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice after the match, Maina said the turnaround was driven by a heightened sense of urgency and sharper attacking movement in the second half.
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“My strategy was to come onto the pitch and use the spaces in between with speed,” Maina explained. “In the first half, we were a bit slow, and the movement was lagging. So in the second half, we had to rotate the ball faster and cut into spaces, that’s how we got a chance.”
The second-half substitute changed the tempo of the game after replacing Michael Owen, scoring a stunning goal from outside the box in the 67th minute to spark Seal’s comeback.
“It was just instincts that led me to shoot that ball,” he added. “Power and precision made it go in. While I was on the bench, I could sense a possible comeback, and I came in to do what was needed of me by the coach.”
Reflecting on the team’s inconsistent start to the season, just one win and a draw from six outings, Maina remained optimistic about their progress.
“We’ve not been at our best yet, mainly because we’re still trying to gel. There are new signings, so we’re learning each other’s game. But what’s happening on the pitch is positive, and soon we’ll be where we want to be.”
Meanwhile, Murang’a Seal head coach Osborne Monday, speaking to the press in his post-match interview, praised his team’s fighting spirit and tactical awareness in the second half. He revealed that his key adjustment was to exploit the gaps left by Posta’s midfield line.
“My secret in the second half was to try and find spaces behind their midfield and exploit them,” Monday told reporters. “When you meet an opponent like Posta who leaves spaces in between, you have to capitalise and that’s exactly what we did.”
Monday acknowledged that his side started slowly but commended the energy and composure his players showed after the break.
“We were too passive in the first half, but the players responded brilliantly. The substitutions worked as planned, and the team showed hunger and fight. That’s the kind of attitude we need going forward.”
The comeback saw Seal overturn a 2-0 halftime deficit after goals from Caleb Olilo and Faustine Ojiambo had given Posta Rangers the lead. The result lifted Seal to four points, while Posta moved to second place with 11 points, two behind leaders Kakamega Homeboyz.
Murang’a Seal will host KCB FC in their next fixture in Murang’a.
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