Jackson Macharia netted a wonderful goal as Tusker heaped more misery on AFC Leopards when they condemned them to a 1-0 loss during a SportPesa Premier League game at Kinoru Stadium.
Leopards came into the game after indifferent performances in the league so far and were first to get off the block pinning Muhoroni Youth in their half early on as they sought for early goals.
But Tusker playing infornt of thousands of supporters scored the most important goal in the 36th minute through Macharia who, after some neat interplay with Brian Mandela , found a shooting space outside the box before beating Gabriel Adika’ in Leopards’s goal with a tricky shot to give Tusker a deserved lead.
They continued to dominate with Andika’ saving well from Marlon Tangauzi and Allan Wanga as Leopards defended resolutely to keep the score at 1-0.
After a period of sustained pressure, Leopards eventually got the ball out of their box and a quick counter-attacking move ended with Girbelt Fiamenyo squaring the ball to Joshua Mawira who wasted a clear chance that could have levelled the matters.The half ended with Leopards in the ascendancy but they were unable to get behind the organised brewers defence.
In the second half, the game was evenly balanced, but it was Tusker who missed several opportunities.In the 54th minute Duncan Otieno popping in the box failed to head home a cross from the cornet after some hesitant defending by the Tusker defence.
Leopards mounted a late rally but it was Tusker who were closest to adding a second goal after a quick counter attack put Sempala through but Andika saved well to deny the former Tusker strike.
Tusker’s coach George Nsimbe was predictably pleased with the determination and grit his team showed especially in defence and said he was confident the team will do very well in the league this season.
Outgoing AFC’s Stewart Hall was left to rue missed chances in the first half but said he was confident the team would continue improving as the league goes on.
Lineups:
AFC Leopards XI: Gabriel Andika,Dennis Sikhayi,Samuel Ndung’u
Salim Abdallah,Robinson Kamura,Joshua Mawira,Bernard Mang’oli
Duncan Otieno,Whyvonne Isuzza,Gilbert Fiamenyo,Marcelus Ingotsi
Subs: Ian Otieno,Mike Kibwage,Allan Katerrega,Marcus Abwao,Haroun Nyakha,Jackson Juma ,Ramadhan Yakub
Tusker Starting XI: Duncan Ochieng, Collins shivachi, James situma, Marlon Tangauzi, Shafik Batambuze, Hashim Sempala, Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia, George mandela, Khamati Michael, Allan Wanga
Reserves:David Okello, Eugine Asike, Martin Kizza, Clifford Alwanga, Abdul Hassan, Anthony Ndolo, Moses Ndawula
Summary of SPL Sunday Results:
Zoo Kericho Fc 1:1 Sony Sugar Fc
Western Stima FC 1:1Kariobangi Sharks Fc
Tusker FC 1:0 AFC Leopards SC
Posta Rangers FC 1:1 Gor Mahia FC
