Tusker slip again after AFC Leopards stalemate in FKF Premier League

Photo Credit – Tusker FC Media.

Tusker FC squandered another opportunity to move to the top of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League table following a gruelling 0-0 draw against AFC Leopards at Machakos Stadium on Saturday.

The Brewers knew that a win would see them move two points above leaders Kenya Police FC, who face Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday. However, Ingwe produced a solid display to deny the Brewers three points.

Tusker started as the strongest side and should have taken the lead with only nine minutes played when David Odoyo did well to beat his marker on the left, before cutting back a cross that found Lawrence Luvanda. The winger’s shot, however, was denied by goalkeeper Levis Opiyo.

Tusker goalkeeper Brian Oyande was forced to produce a brilliant one-handed save to deny Kayci Odhiambo from a loose ball on the edge of the area in the 16th minute. The Brewers came close again to breaking the deadlock when Deogratious Ojok latched on to a loose ball from a long throw-in from George Kaddu, but his hooked header rattled the crossbar.

Tusker continued to attack Ingwe, and in the 36th minute, Ojok picked up the ball brilliantly behind his marker and rifled a left-footed effort, but it flew over the bar. From the missed chance, Ingwe initiated a quick counter-attack, but Oyande pulled off another great save to deny Brian Wanyama.

That was the last meaningful chance of the half as the two sides went into the break tied at 0-0. The second half saw Tusker coach Charles Okere make a triple change, Eric Naaman Balecho, John Njuguna and Luke Namanda coming in for Denis Oguta, Dennis ‘Decha’ Wanjala and Luvanda. Unfortunately for Njuguna, he was forced to come off, minutes after coming on, following a collision with Opiyo.

The game remained balanced until the 87th minute when Ian Simiyu, who had come on to replace Njuguna, thought he had won it for Tusker after finding the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The draw keeps Tusker second in the 18-team league table with 52 points, the same number as Police, who will move three points clear if they manage to sink Sharks. Meanwhile, Tusker could find themselves third by the end of the weekend, if third-placed Gor Mahia manage to beat Shaban at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.