Tusker intoxicate K’Ogalo
Eleven times league champions Tusker continued their road to recovery after a poor start to the new campaign, with a deserved 2-1 win over defending champions Gor Mahia in an action packed duel at Kasarani Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Second half substitute Henry Meja’s 78th minute priceless goal settled the contest after he capitalised on Gor midfielder Sydney Ochieng’s miss pass inside his own box to easily beat goalkeeper Gad Matthews.
Gor Mahia who have yet another tough tie against Kakamega Homeboyz in 72 hours stepped pressure upfront with their goal getters Tito Okello and substitute Nicholas Kipkurui asking all sorts of questions but the solid backline of Eugene Asike and Eric Ambunya held steady to pick the maximum points.
While they piled pressure for an equaliser, the Gor Mahia defence always looked vulnerable whenever the attackers led by Boniface Muchiri, Luke Namanda and Meja had procession, Gor full backs Michael Apudo and Kevin Wesonga looked vulnerable.
Starting slowly
Tusker seized control of the proceedings a quarter of an hour into the break with Hashim Sempala and second half substitute veteran Humphrey Mieno working their horse off.
The running from the pair was brilliant coupled with the good space attacking by the brewers’ Jackson Macharia and Kevin Okoth.
In the first half,Gor Mahia had started slowly and inside six minutes minutes they had already conceded after a lapse in defense.
The lively Muchiri broke loose in the right flank and looped the ball over the misplaced defence for the towering South Sudanese striker David Majak to head past stranded K’Ogalo goalkeeper Matthews.
The after exchanges was all in favour of the Brewers who enjoyed possession and dominated midfield play against Gor’s midfield marshal Kenneth Muguna.
In the 38th minute against the run of play, Muguna stole a loose ball from Apollo Otieno to release Burundian international Jules Ulimwengu who toe pocked the ball for the equalizer.
Tusker coach Robert Matano who kicked off the campaign with a loss to AFC Leopards was pleased especially with the team’s second win of the season and remains optimistic of better results.
“ We are slowly getting there and I am happy with the boys particularly their display in the second half. It was a promising performance that yielded good results.
The substitutions were on point and everything went as planned,”said the veteran tactician whose team now has seven points.
At the same time, Gor Mahia Assistant Coach Patrick Odhiambo was a disappointed man after his team lost in what would otherwise been a draw.
“ It is tough taking that in but we will learn going forward.I tried to bring in substitutes that could add punch but it did not work.So we look ahead to Homeboyz on Saturday.The race is still on,” he said.
