Tusker’s league ambitions dealt blow by Kariobangi Sharks

• Tusker would have reduced the gap with leaders Gor Mahia
• They are now eight points behind the leaders
• Sharks have moved further away from the relegation zone

 Tusker FC’s hopes of challenging for the FKF Premier League title were dealt a massive blow after suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Kariobangi Sharks in Machakos. A brace from John Mark Makwatta and a beauty from Julius Masaba saw Sharks condemn Tusker to a bruising defeat.

A win would have covered some good ground for the brewers against leaders Gor Mahia, as it would have cut the gap to just four points pending Gor’s match against Homeboyz.

“We didn’t play well, we didn’t take our chances and we were punished. We had lots of lapses in defense which is unlike us,” said Tusker’s coach Robert Matano.

On top of the defeat, the brewers will have lots on their minds with three injuries off that game. Mike Oduor limped off after 25 minutes with an ankle injury, Tom Teka was substituted at half time after aggravating a groin injury while David Odoyo came off late with a knee problem.

For Sharks, it was a massive three points that puts them comfortably into safety and alleviates earlier relegation fears.

Tusker had a good start in the match and they thought they should have been given a penalty after just three minutes when Timothy Ekhavi brought down Eric Kapaito as he went for goal. However, it was never awarded.

Tusker’s early push dented

Action between Tusker FC and Kariobangi Sharks.

The brewers’ early push was however dented in the 22^nd minute when Sharks opened the scoring, Makwatta striking the ball home from the edge of the box after a quick counter attack.

The brewers still pushed in to try and rally for a comeback and they did so at the stroke of halftime when debutant Dennis Oguta levelled matters. Oguta, 20, signed in mid-season from the fourth tier, controlled Mike Kibwage’s deep pass before shooting low into the bottom right corner.

With a 1-1 score to take to the break, Tusker had some hope to build on as they came into the second period. They made offensive changes, Deogratious Ojok and Eric Zakayo coming on for John Njuguna and Eric Otieno.

However, they were stunned in the 57^th minute when Makwatta scored his second, making the most of a defensive mistake. Masaba stole the ball off a poor pass from Kibwage before spraying to Makwatta who struck on his weaker left foot.

It was a stunning goal for Tusker to concede especially at a point in the game when they were building pressure to get a second goal that would give them a cushioning lead.

Adikiny comes in to add striking force

Action between Tusker FC and Kariobangi Sharks.

Needing a goal, Tusker made another change, Fabian Adikiny coming in to put some numbers and height in the forward line. They got the equalizer in the 72^nd minute when Ojok struck into an empty net.

Adikiny flicked the ball to the ruin of David Odoyo who was however stopped by the rushing Sharks keeper, but Ojok was well placed to pick the rebound and slap it home from the edge of the box.

With the goal, Tusker were hungry for the win and they dumped more balls into the Sharks area. But, just seven minutes after they equalized, another defensive lapse saw them concede the third, which proved to be the winner.

Tusker lost the ball in midfield and possession was turned over, Julius Masaba played through in the box and the winger curling the ball past Brian Opondo in the Tusker FC goal.

Conceding a third proved to be a mountain to climb for Tusker, who gave everything to try and get back into the game, but were not at best in their finishing. While the brewers’ title hopes remain severely dented, Sharks defended well to guard the lead and three points that sail them to 12^th with 30 points, five clear of the red zone.