Ibrahim ‘Aila’ Otieno scored a blinder of a freekick midway through the second half as 10-man Tusker Youth beat Kirigiti Community FC 2-1 at the Ruaraka Complex on Saturday evening to move second in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division II League.
Joshua Ngari had given the lads a well deserved lead, before the visitors equalized just before halftime. However, despite a numerical disadvantage, Peter Kariuki’s charges held on for a massive win that ensures they remain within the top three in the standings.
“In the first half, we didn’t play as well as we should have. Yes, we created chances but we didn’t utilize. At the same time, we were a bit nervous in defending. However, credit has to go to the players for the effort they put in for the final 45 minutes. Despite being a man less, we dominated the game and created more chances. At the end of the evening, I am delighted we won,” the tactician stated.
The Youth Team had a good start, creating numerous scoring chances. Ngari himself had a go at goal fly wide, while Nestroy Otieno also had an effort from range blocked.
Shelton Asanyo came closest when a brilliant cross from Ngari found him well placed at the backpost, but his effort on the volley dinked inches wide off target. However, the goal finally came when Ngari ran to a brilliant through ball before a low shot beat the keeper.
The visitors however piled the pressure and were rewarded with a goal minutes later after some lapse at the back. The evening looked to dip south for the lads when keeper James Mark was sent off for a late challenge outside his area.
Despite being a man down, coach Kariuki’s men gave in a good shift and ensured they fought for the winner, and guarded the lead to the last minute.
