- Tusker thrashed Shabana 4-0 in Homabay
- They had lost two matches on the trot
- Shabana drop down to the relegation zone
Tusker FC bounced back to winning ways in a massive way, thrashing Shabana FC 4-0 at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay, climbing to fourth in the FKF Premier League standings.
The Brewers had lost back to back matches against leaders Gor Mahia FC and Bidco United and needed to win to ensure they remain at pace with the leaders.
Goals from Deogratious Ojok, Shaphan Oyugi and Joseph Mwangi, adding on to a George Onyango own goal, saw the brewers pick victory on the road.
It was not just sweet victory for the brewers on the road, but a big revenge on Shabana who handed them a 1-0 defeat when they met in the first leg in Nairobi earlier in the first leg.
“We fought as a team and won as a team. It was really important for us to win this game and we feel relieved. Hopefully it will put us intro more confidence as we look to reduce the gap between us and the leaders,” said Tusker skipper Michael Kibwage.
The victory saw the brewers move to within 10 points of leaders Gor, and just three shy of second placed City Stars.
Tusker search for priceless victory
Tusker’s Shaphan Oyugi shoots to score.
Heading into the game, and Gor having dropped points earlier on Saturday, Tusker knew victory would give them some hope of making it back in the title race.
Ojok broke the deadlock for the brewers after 12 minutes with a low shot inside the box after being set up by Eric Kapaito. He should have returned the favour to Kapaito minutes later, when he picked the ball inside the box, but he slid as he tried to set the ball up.
The brewers had an even better chance minutes later when Kapaito sent David Odoyo through with a delightful through ball, but the latter shot straight to the keeper.
Shabana had some attempts on goa, which were threatening. Justin Omwando came closest for the home side when he struck a shot from distance which came cracking under the bar.
He also had an effort with a freekick fly straight into keeper Brian Opondo’s arms.
Ezekiah Omuri and Brian Michira also had good efforts for the home side, but none could beat Opondo.
In the second half, Tusker continued with their impressive pressure and made it 2-0 when Ibrahim Joshua’s shot from the right was deflected into goal by Shabana defender Onyango.
Ibrahim had come on at the start of the second half for the injured Kapaito and he had brought the much needed pressure up top with his physique and fighting spirit.
Joshua provider’s assist for third
Tusker FC’s Michael Oduor attempts to block a clearance from SHabana’s Alvin Ochieng.
The brewers would then go on to make it 3-0, when Tanzanian Joshua played provider again. The forward beat his marker to the ball, flicking the ball behind to catch Oyugi’s run, the latter scoring his third goal of the season with a well taken low shot.
Mwangi then sealed the victory for Tusker late on in the match, his shot from the edge of the box being deflected over keeper Mustafa Oduor.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards moved to eighth in the log after a hard earned 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal with their fifth win on the trot while Kakamega Homeboyz rose to seventh after beating KCB 2-1, compounding the bankers’ woes further.
In other results, Nzoia Sugar revived their survival hopes with an important 2-1 victory over Bidco United, while Kariobangi Sharks also picked massive points in their fight to avoid relegation by picking a similar result against Muhoroni Youth. Sharks are now on 22 points and 15th spot, two ahead of Muhoroni who occupy the play-off zone. Nzoia meanwhile move to 16 points, but remain rooted bottom of the log.
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