By Bonface Osano,
Sofapaka beat Tusker 2-1 in an entertaining match on Sunday 24th afternoon to move second in the KPL log with 24 points in an exciting match was hosted by Tusker at Ruaraka.
The win is Batoto Ba Mungu’s third on the trot as their rebirth continues. The first eight minutes of the first half of this epic encounter saw hosts Tusker pin Sofapaka in their own half, in search of an early lead to no avail, as Sofapaka’s defense consisting of Felly Mulumba, Johnson Bagoole and Collins Shivachi effortlessly thwarted all their attempts.
The highlight of the first half was most definitely Danson Kago’s shout for a penalty that the referee ignored after he was tagged down inside the box by Tusker defender Jockins Atudo in the 7th minute. Sofapaka grew stronger in the match, passing much better and creating dangerous scoring chances.
Ekaliani Ndolo goal in the 19th minute was ruled out for an offside after a beautiful run of play involving Danson Kago. Tusker’s best chance landed on Clifford Alwanga’s path in 21st minute after being put through by Brian Osumba but his stinging shot didn’t trouble Sofapaka keeper Mutuyimana who remained steadfast.
The rest of the first half was balanced affiar as the match headed into the breather scoreless.
John Baraza Penalty
The vintage poacher stepped forward to send Tusker keeper the wrong way after defender James Situma was judged to have handled the ball inside the box in the 46th minute to give Batoto Ba Mungu the lead barely minutes into the second half.
Baraza should have added his second in the 56th minute but he watched helplessly as his effort rolled out marginally with Tusker keeper well beaten.
Stephen Owusu equalizer
The substitute opened his account at Tusker with his first goal in Kenyan premier league in the 60th minute heading home Humphrey Mieno’s cross right inside the box. The Ghanaian should have put the brewers ahead two minutes later after being put through by Kevin Kimani but his powerful shot lacked precision.
Owusu also saw his goal in the 70th minute ruled out for an offside. Maurice Odipo winner Odipo’s glancing header in the 80th minute off a Felly Mulumba’s header from Enoch Agwanda’s freekick from the right ensured Babato Ba Mungu bagged all the three crucial points to continue their impressive dominance over Tusker.
The loss is Tusker’s second in a row as pressure keeps mounting on Coach Francis Kimanzi.
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