Tusker's freefall continues under new French coach as Shabana sweetens title race

Tusker FC could not profit from a new manager bounce as Shabana FC handed French tactician Julien Mette a rude welcome following a 1-0 win in an FKF Premier League clash staged at the Gusii Stadium.

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The Brewers showed Charles Okere and his backroom staff the door on Tuesday following a 3-1 defeat to Mathare United last weekend, handing the reins to the French head coach in a bid to salvage their frustrating season.

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Shabana went into the match fourth on the table with 34 points and in inspiring form, having won their last two matches against Bandari FC and Posta Rangers, respectively.

Tusker, on the other hand, were ninth in the league table with 28 points and in a torrid run of form that saw them suffer defeat thrice in their last five matches, tasting victory only once.

Shabana began the match as the brighter of the two sides, launching early attacks through Brian Michira and former Senegalese Ligue 1 top scorer Pape Diallo that troubled the Tusker defense but with no significant statistics.

The Glamour Boys had an opportunity for an opener in the 10th minute from a counterattack, but Eugene Ikutwa came to Tusker’s rescue with a last-minute tackle.

Tusker had back-to-back chances in the 25th minute through Fabian Adikiny and Dennis Oalo, but both their efforts flew high over the crossbar.

Michira would then be the beneficiary of a Keith Imbali corner, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

From the half-hour mark, Shabana intensified their attacks and surged ahead in the 39th minute courtesy of an own goal from a Michira effort, a goal they dedicated to their former defender Silas Abung’ana, who passed away and is set to be laid to rest today.

Having led at half-time, Shabana began the second half with a much more cautious approach, even as Tusker pushed for an equaliser and possibly a winner.

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However, the 12-time league champions had to wait until the 63rd minute for their first chance of the closing half. From a brilliant link-up play, Erick Kapaito set up Chrispine Erambo, who unleashed a ferocious shot, but it missed the target and went over the bar.

In the end, Shabana managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle to grab a third consecutive win that pushed them to third on the log with 37 points, while Mette was condemned to his first defeat as Tusker coach with the team dropping to 10th on 28 points.