Tusker FC put up a tactically disciplined performance, coupled with some resilience in the second half to beat AFC Leopards at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos and move to second in the FKF Premier League standings.
An own goal from Randy Bakari in the 35th minute was the difference as the Brewers raked in a fifth consecutive win, to move to 43 points, seven behind leaders Gor Mahia.
Coming up against one of the most in-form teams of the league, a Leopards side that hasn’t lost in 2024, Tusker had their work cut out, but the boys proved equal to the task with a crisp, clean performance.
Bakari diverted the ball into his own net, after John Njuguna dummied Mike Oduor’s low cross, a goal that proved to be vital for the three points.
Before that, Tusker had dominated the game pressing Leopards high and denying them spaces to operate. There were some good chances at goal, first John Njuguna rifling a shot from distance that was well collected by the AFC goalie, before Eric Kapaito tried his luck, also from range, with his weaker left foot but the ball rolled wide.
After the goal, Tusker had some more chances as they choked Leopards into their own half, and the closest came off Shaphan Oyugi’s boot, the forward’s shot from distance forcing the keeper into another full-flight save.
In the second half, the visitors came off the break faster off the blocks and in the 58th minute, Brian Opondo had to make a brilliant save to tip the ball over the bar after Arthur Gitego took a snap shot from inside the box.
The pumped in the pressure dumping balls wide, but Daniel Sakari and Collins Otieno, manning either wing, did well to ensure that the danger was minimalized.
On the other end, Njuguna had two efforts at goal, but both his curling efforts sailed wide off target. Late on, substitute Fabidn Adikiny should have wrapped up the game when he picked up a lose ball inside the box, but his effort on the volley rose over the bar.
The victory ensures Tusker remains on a good run as the league takes a four-week break, and football action goes on a three-week lull before resumption with the FKF Cup round of 16 matches at the end of the month.
