Tusker 1-0 Ulinzi Stars: Brewers back to winning ways after Bidco United set-back
The hosts were held to a goalless draw in the first half but came back stronger to down the Soldiers
Tusker FC defeated Ulinzi Stars in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League by a solitary goal at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.
Boniface Muchiri scored the lone goal in the second half to ensure the league leaders bag maximum points.
The Robert Matano-led charges needed to bounce back to winning ways after their 2-1 loss to Bidco United. The Soldiers were more desperate for a win after back-to-back defeats to AFC Leopards and Bandari respectively.
It was Ulinzi who started the game on a high and needed just three minutes to make their first attempt. Elvis Nandwa managed to get the ball in a good area but his goal-bound effort was deflected out for an unsuccessful corner.
In the fifth minute, four-time champions had another chance to get an opening goal from a corner, but Bonaventure Muchika failed to head it on target.
The Brewers had their first real chance in the 15th minute when Harun Mwale gave the ball away. Kevin Okoth passed the ball to youngster Henry Meja but James Saruni did well to deny him.
Moments later, it was Apollo Otieno’s chance to make an attempt but once again, the custodian was alert to deflect the ball out for a corner. The forward, once again, had a great chance to score in the 38th minute from a prime position but wasted the chance after shooting wide.
Tusker needed just five minutes after the break to score their first goal. Meja managed to find space and unleashed a low drive; Saruni parried the ball and the rebound fell to Muchiri who made no mistake from close range.
Six minutes later, the Soldiers had a chance to equalize. Masita Masuta managed to pick Daniel Waweru with a good cross but Mvuyekure stopped them.
In another top-tier game, Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers settled to a 0-0 draw.
Tusker XI: Emery Mvuyekure, Kevin Monyi, Hillary Wandera, Eugene Asike, Christopher Oruchum, Hashim Sempala, Eric Zakayo, Apollo Otieno, Henry Meja, Kevin Okoth, Boniface Muchiri.
Subs: Michael Wanjala, Rogers Aloro, Eric Ambunya, Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia, Faraj Odenyi, David Majak, Luke Namanda, George Ogutu.
Ulinzi Stars XI: James Saruni, Brian Birgen, Harun Mwale, Boniface Andayi, Bonventure Muchika, Boniface Okinyi, Elvis Nandwa, John Kago, Oscar Wamalwa, Churchill Mulama, Daniel Waweru.
Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Oliver Ruto, George Omondi, Bernard Ongoma, Ibrahim Shambi, Omar Boraafya, John Njuguna, Masita Masuta, Clinton Omondi, Mark Bikokwa, Michael Otieno