- Tusker have gone 11 matches without tasting defeat
- Sharks played better in the second half but failed to score
- In another match KCB beat Wazito 2-0
FKF Premier League defending champions Tusker FC laboured to beat Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 at the Ruaraka Complex on Saturday evening as they moved six points closer to leaders Kakamega Homeboyz.
Tanzanian forward Ibrahim Joshua netted his eight goal of the season as he guided the brewers to victory, the 11th match they were going without suffering defeat. This was also their ninth win in those 11 matches.
“I really feel delighted because this was a very tough match. I am happy that we got to win and hopefully we continue this way. Our target is to try and retain our title and these wins are very important for us,” stated Joshua.
Tusker had dominated the opening half of the game, and had many chances to score. As early as the fourth minute, Sharks keeper Brandon Obiero was tested. A short start to a corner saw Njuguna tee off Eric Zakayo, but the winger’s curling effort was collected by the keeper.
Joshua had a chance once again when he controlled a cross from Rodgers Ouma inside the box, but his rasping volley missed the target by inches.
Tusker’s Ibrahim Joshua takes a shot at goal
The brewers were forced into an early sub after 22 minutes when Shaphan Oyugi had to come off injured after a clash with the Sharks keeper left him worse off. He was replaced by Shami Kibwana.
After the goal, Tusker kept Sharks in their own half, ensuring the lean scoreline was maintained to the break.
In the second half the visitors came up stronger. Sharks made changes to their personnel, bringing in Geoffrey Onyango for Reagan Odede, a substitution that changed the team’s shape and tactics.
Tusker’s coach Robert Matano responded by also shifting his midfield workforce, Humphrey Mieno and Deogratious Ojok coming on for Clyde Senaji and Zakayo.
Sharks put Tusker on the backfoot and forced them to defend deep, their swift passing movements causing a lot of trouble. But, the backline stood tall and ensured they guarded keeper Patrick Matasi, who didn’t face many shots on target.
With 10 minutes left, Matano made more changes, adding an extra defender after pulling out John Njuguna for Kalos Kirenge. He also brought on winger Lawrence Luvanda for Shami.
It was Tusker who almost snatched victory late on with Joshua having two chances. First, he made a swift turn on the left but his eventual shot was wide.
Tusker’s John Njuguna battles for posession against Sharks
At the death, he was sent through on a counter, beating his marker Tom Teka. However, his eventual shot was inches over the bar.
Meanwhile in the other fixture, Wazito’s woes deepened as they were beaten 2-0 by KCB who put off a five-match winless streak.
The bankers scored two quick goals to put out Wazito who lost a second consecutive match. Substitute Derrick Otanga finished off a Mohamed Kilume pass before Henry Onyango’s shot from outside the area cemented the lead.
With the victory, KCB moved up to third in the standings with 36 points, four behind Tusker who they face on Tuesday while Wazito remained 15th and are now just a point away from relegation.
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