Tusker inflict pain on Muhoroni, bounce back to winning ways

Twelve-time champions Tusker are back to winning ways after edging Muhoroni Youth 1-0 at the Ruaraka grounds on Saturday afternoon.

Defensive midfielder David Odoyo scored the all-important goal in the second half to see his side bag maximum points for the second time in the season.

The brewers were coming off a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kakamega Homeboyz, while Muhoroni, who are still winless in the season, had played the AFC Leopards to a barren draw in their last assignment.

The result also means that Muhoroni have tasted defeat for the first time in the season after getting favourable outcomes in the past three rounds.

Before kickoff, coach Robert Matano handed the duo of Chris Erambo and Collins Odhiambo their club debuts after sealing their move to the Brewers in the final days of the transfer window.

Matano also handed forward Erick Kapaito his first start, with goalkeeper Edwin Simiyu, who was promoted from the youth team, getting a place on the bench.

Tusker had the better chances to hurt the visiting team in the first half, but a lack of composure saw the opportunities slip through their fingers.

Erick Kapaito and Deogratious Ojok came close in the half but couldn't fire the ball past Ezekiel Owade, who, despite being exposed at times, didn't face any meaningful shots in the half.

Odoyo watched his ferocious shot bounce off the woodwork early in the game as Tusker sought to break the deadlock and take full control of the game.

Christopher Raila had the best chance for Muhoroni, but his hard-drilled shot couldn't sail past Brian Bwire, who wore the skipper's armband in the absence of Charles Momanyi.

There was work to do for the Tusker centre backs as Collins Neto used his experience and strength to bully them, especially when through and aerial balls were played in.

After a rather colourless and goalless half, the game came to life in the final stanza as both teams showed hunger for the three points.

The half-time change Tusker made gave them the most-needed impetus and punch in the final third, unlike in the first half, where the team created but rarely threatened the custodian.

Tusker took the lead in the 69th minute through Odoyo, who whipped the ball hard from close range after Shaphan Siwa found him with a lovely cutback.

The goal proved priceless, and Tusker held on to it up to the final whistle to take home all three points and register the second clean sheet of the season.

Tusker FC Lineup: Brian Bwire, Collins Odhiambo, Brianface Onyango, Eugene Asike,Michael Kibwage, David Odoyo, Chris Erambo (Collins Otieno 82), James Kibande (Stewart Omondi 82), Erick Zakayo (Michael Oduor 46), Erick Kapaito (Joseph Mwangi 82), and Deogratious Ojok (Shaphan Siwa 46)

Unused substitutes: Edwin Simiyu, Levin Odhiambo, John Njuguna, and Jimmy Mbugua

Muhoroni Youth Lineup: Ezekiel Owade,Vincent Otieno, Stephen Bulugu, Alex Onchwari, Alex Juma, Ibrahim Ochieng (Edwin Okoth 44), Maxwell Odada (Felix Ochieng 76), Christopher Raila, Coline Neto,Kevin Okoth, and Stephen Mbulere (Samuel Adebowale 76).

Unused substitutes: Tom Muthomi, Michael Kagiri,Wycliffe Opuro,Kelvin Wesonga,Ali Sharif,Tarik Tabu, Clinton Bulimo, and Abubakar Eneji

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