Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over title-ambitious Tusker in a match played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Tusker were fighting for a win that would have potentially closed the gap with Gor Mahia but ended up dropping crucial points. They remain in second place, as Sharks also remain unmoved in the 12th position.
Meanwhile, the Brewers almost broke the deadlock in the early minutes with a chance for Fortune Omotto. Another chance by Erick Kapaito was wasted, with Tusker putting the opponents under pressure in their area.
Sharks slowly found their rhythm and could have scored, but Izaak Otieno’s right-footed shot went slightly wide in the 15th minute.
The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when Kariobangi Sharks scored through John Makwatta, who fired past Brian Opondo.
Kibwage’s injury
Coach Robert Matano made a change just after the half-hour mark when Mike Kibwage was injured, and his place was taken by James Kibande.
Kibande’s introduction brought a new lease of life to Tusker as he brought a chance for an equalizer just before the first half ended. His cross was collected by Dennis Oguta, who scored in a crowded Sharks penalty box.
The Brewers came in from the break guns blazing and would have gone ahead in the 50th minute through John Njuguna. The forward was a shining star on their side, and his attempted shot went out slightly to the relief of the Eastlands club.
Makwatta, despite the Sharks operating under pressure from Tusker, scored his second to extend the visitors lead in the 57th minute.
An equaliser for Tusker came in the 73rd minute when Deogratius Ojok found the back of the net, with the Sharks’ defence looking stretched to deal with potential threats.
In the 80th minute, Sharks went ahead again when Julius Masaba scored for a 3-2 scoreline.
The loss is seen as a big blow to Tusker, who are in dire need of closing the gap with Gor Mahia as the season races towards the end.
Gor Mahia will play Kakamega Homeboyz, and a win for them will ensure they widen the gap at the top as they hope to defend the Premier League title.
Starting XI
Kariobangi Sharks: Sepstianos Wekesa, Kevin Onesmas, Julius Masaba, Ian Taifa, Timothy Ekhavi, Stanley Wilson, Geoffrey Onyango, Biron Otieno, Fortune Omoto, John Makwatta, Izaak Otieno
Tusker: Brian Opondo, Collins Odhiambo, Daniel Sakari, Thomas Teka, Mike Kibwage, David Odoyo,Michael Oduor, Dennis Magio, Eric Kapaito, Erick Otieno, John Njuguna
