FKF Premier League: Tusker pip Nairobi City Stars to leapfrog Kenya Police FC

Photo Credit - Tusker FC Media.

Tusker FC took advantage of Kenya Police FC and Gor Mahia’s mixed performances to ascend to the top of the FKF Premier League following their hard-fought 1-0 win against a stubborn Nairobi City Stars at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday.

The Brewers went into the game knowing that a win would guarantee them a place at the summit since Police had suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Ulinzi Stars on Friday while Gor Mahia had suffered a setback following their 1-1 draw against Sofapaka on Sunday.

Knowing what was at stake, Tusker started the game with the intention of getting early goals and they took a deserved lead with only four minutes played when Dennis ‘Decha’ Wanjala picked the ball from distance on the left, saw the keeper yards off his line and went for goal from 40 yards outs.

The opening goal rejuvenated Tusker and they should have doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Lawrence Luvanda collected the ball from the middle of play and drove to the edge of the box but his rasping shot flew inches over the bar.

It should have been 2-0 for the Brewers in the 32nd minute when midfielder Dennis Oguta sent Deogratious Ojok through on goal with a peach of a pass, but the latter’s shot was blocked on a one-on-one by the City Stars keeper.

Tusker continued to dominate play and Luvanda missed another chance in the 44th minute after he picked a misplaced back pass at the edge of the box and rifled a shot at goal but it rose marginally over.

The half-time whistle went with Tusker leading 1-0 and the Brewers started the second just like they did in the first half. In the 54th minute, City Stars suffered a blow in their comeback bid after Wycliffe Ouma was sent off following a second bookable offense.

Tusker failed to take advantage of the numerical numbers to add to their 1-0 scoreline as City Stars held on to suffer their 13th defeat of the campaign. The victory enabled Tusker to move top with 51 points from 27 matches. The Brewers have managed 14 wins, nine draws and suffered four defeats.

They are two points ahead of Police and four ahead of record champions Gor Mahia. The defeat left City Stars rooted at the bottom of the log with 24 points from 27 matches.

In another match, Shabana continued with their fine run of form following a convincing 4-2 victory against FC Talanta at Dandora Stadium. The victory kept Tore Bobe fourth with 43 points from 27 matches. They have won 11 matches, drawn 10 and lost six.