Tusker, Gor clinch BetKing Premier League campaign
Tusker FC notched their 12th win of the BetKing Premier League campaign after beating Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 yesterday at Utalii Grounds to pile pressure on leaders KCB.
Chrispinus Onyango’s 63rd minute header was enough to take the Brewers to 41 points and back in charge of the campaign as they search for a CAF Champions League slot.
Sharks wasted a chance in the68th minute following Humphrey Mieno’s ball handling in the box but the subsequent spot-kick by Douglas Mokaya was saved by Michael Wanjala in the Tusker goal.
Tusker tactician Robert Matano expressed relief at the outcome stating that his team deserved the win after back to back losses.
“This win was a must because we wanted to prove something. Having lost in the FKF Betway Cup quarters and then in the premiership clash at midweek, it was necessary to go back to the drawing board.
I am happy that we have cut the gap at the top to one point so it is back to business for us,” said the veteran tactician who singled out his goalkeeper Michael Wandera for praise for his heroics in the game.
Crucial saves
The Brewers had more possession of the ball in dangerous areas through Henry Meja and Boniface Muchiri but the Sharks were very solid and disciplined in their defending with goalkeeper Nathan Brandon making crucial saves for the Slum Boys.
However it was all cagey from both ends with no proper balls finding targets.
Sharks had their captain, the league top scorer Eric Kapaito, almost idle for lack of space in the opponent’s box with flying wing back James Mazembe and attacking forward Julius Masaba being the only threat in the match for Sharks.
The opening half saw Tusker custodian Robert Mboya injured and replaced by Michael Wanjala in a game that saw a very explosive midfield battle with veteran Humphrey Mieno battling out with Douglas Mokaya several times as the fearless Sharks took the visitors head on.
Sharks were attacking mostly through the flanks and forced the Tusker players to have to cover deep particularly through Faraji Odenyi who had to work his socks off in the duel.
The second half was similar in terms of tempo as both teams fought tooth and nail.
Kapaito was busy but not as efficient at the opposite end with the Brewers’s Eugene Asike keeping him in check all through. Substitute keeper Wandera had to keep two daring balls from James Mazembe and John Omondi from close range.
On the other end Luke Namanda had an effort cleared by Brandon Nathan in the 74th minute even as striker Henry Meja equally suffered a dismal day in office.
Goalless draw
In other matches, Gor Mahia stepped up the charge as well with a Jules Ulimwengu strike at Thika Stadium to give them their 10th consecutive win in all competitions while Posta and Bidco slugged it out to a goalless draw.
K’Ogalo is now third, ahead of AFC Leopards on 37 points with a match in hand.
and a two goal difference.
1.7 per game.
Among those leaders Mali will look to for goals is Moussa Marega, whose six for Porto in the last Champions League was bettered only by Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski. -AFP
