Kenyan Premier League (KPL) outfit Tusker FC held reigning Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC to a goalless draw in an entertaining friendly match played on Saturday 30 January at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
Coach Paul Nkata decided to test his new signing with Mike Khamati starting on the attacking front,Collins Shivachi sloted at the back line, Timonah Wanyonyi and Shaffik Batambuzeh had they first bath with the new teammates while Osborne Monday making a comeback after a lengthy layoff with a knee injury.
The hosts had a better opening exchanges early minutes on with duo of former Al Merreikh and TP Mazember forward Mike Mutyaba and William Wadri testing goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng’ in theTusker goal. Tusker had a chance at goal on the sixth minute but Timonah Wanyonyi’s shot was picked by goalkeeper Kibirige.
Tusker best moment of the match come in the Three minutes of the second half when Kago and Monday combined to set up Shivachi whose power drive hit the crossbar. Hiting the bar for the third time in the match
Duncan Ochieng’ was kept busy on Tusker goal make some perfect saves when the host come calling in numerous occasion , blocking three goal bounding shots.
Tusker were using the friendly as a preparation for the start of the new season while they host Vipers are geting already to their first round preliminaries of the 2016 CAF Champions League against Nigerian side Enyimba FC.
Tusker are set play another top tier side in Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) on Sunday 31 January at Kakindu Stadium starting 4pm EAT.
Vipers SC Starting XI: Meddie Kibirige (James Ahebwa (GK 84’), 14. Nicholas Wadada, 3. Dan Birikwalira, 5. Musa Maluda, 6. Yussuf Mukisa, 22. Sentamu Siraj, 12. Dennis Bakeya, 15. Saddam Juma, 2. Wanji Pius (Allan Kyambade 58’), 23. Wiliam Wadri, 10. Mike Mutyaba (Patrick Sembuya 63’)
Unused subs: John Ssemazi, Leku Alfred, Aggrey Mandiye, Duncan Sseninde, Halid Lwaliwa, Brian Nkumbiya
Tusker FC Starting XI: 1. Duncan Ochieng’ (GK), 25. Eugine Asike, 2. James Situma (CPT), 3. Fred Nkata, 5. Collins Shivachi, 30. Humphrey Mieno, 28. Osborne Monday (15. Cersidy Lumumba 56’), 21. Timonah Wanyonyi, 6. Shaffik Batambuze, 10. Danson Kago (Clifford Alwanga 56’), 19. Mike Khamati (Stephen Owusu 85’)
Unused subs: 27. Martin Musalia (GK), 12. Luis Misiko, 16. Jackson Macharia, 17. Lloyd Wahome, David Okello (GK), Ekaliani Ndolo
