Has Tusker’s 13th title chances been quashed?

• Tusker lost 1-0 to Bidco United
• They dropped to sixth in the FKF Premier League standings
• They are 12 points behind leaders Gor Mahia

Tusker FC’s hopes of battling for the FKF Premier League title have been dealt a major blow following last week’s defeat at the hands of Bidco United. The second defeat in a row, having lost to league leaders Gor Mahia before the Cup game, now leaves the 12-time champions on the brink of falling off the race.

They still remain 12 points behind leaders Gor Mahia, but it was defeat against an opponent they have never lost to in six meetings, that raised eyebrows over their potential to battle for the title.

Head coach Robert Matano is livid with the result, saying the team threw away a chance to reduce the gap with the leaders.

“It was not a good performance. We didn’t play well at all both offensively and defensively. We gave away a very cheap goal and we couldn’t finish the chances we got,” said coach Matano.

He adds; “It is a blow yes because we would have reduced the gap very well, but we will not give up hope. We must continue to fight and try to get more wins in the remaining 14 games of the season.”

His sentiments were echoed by skipper Michael Kibwage who says the team must pull up their socks ahead of the remainder of the season.

“It is not a good loss for us and we must look for ways to bounce back. We didn’t play well and we must look at ways to improve. We are still in the race and we will keep fighting,” said the defender.

Tusker hoped to bounce back

Tusker FC midfielder Chris Erambo in action against Bidco

The brewers had hoped to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of K’Ogalo and they were up for a confident boosting win. However, they were not as fluid as they have been in the second half of the season, with Douglas Mokaya’s cheeky goal breaking their hearts.

Before Saturday afternoon’s game, Tusker had beaten Bidco in six straight matches, but Japheth Akhulia’s men were determined to end the rot.

Under scorching early afternoon conditions, Tusker had the first few chances at goal and the best had fallen to Mike Oduor. The winger was sent through on goal by Eric Kapaito, but his curling effort was well saved by the Bidco shotstopper.

They had some more chances, with Kapaito’s bouncing header scaling over the target, while Chris Erambo also had a point blank shot blocked for a corner off a Daniel Sakari long throw.

Bidco scored in the 32nd minute when Mokaya’s curling cross evaded everyone in the box, and a lack of communication between the defense and keeper Brian Bwire saw the ball drop into the bottom left.

In the second half, Tusker made changes, bringing in Levin Odhiambo, Shaphan Oyugi and Joseph Mwangi to try salvage the situation. They were better offensively and Levin thrice floated in low crosses into the box but there was no one to tap in.

Kapaito and Mwangi miss golden chances

Tusker’s Fabian Adikiny in action against Bidco United.

Kapaito and Mwangi were guilty of letting the ball roll infront of their eyes when Levin struck a well weighted ball from the left, needing just a simple touch to guide it home.

The left back also had a freekick roll just yards off goal, as the alemen upped their attacking threats. Deogratious Ojok should have also given them a goal in the final 10 minutes with two good chances. He first picked up a rebound on the left but his hasty decision to shoot sent the ball over while minutes later, he saw his shot from a tight angle blocked by the keeper.

The brewers could not find an effort on target, and now see their title hopes diminish as they are 12 points behind leaders Gor Mahia.