Tusker were unable to make it two wins in two games in the new Football Kenya Federation Premier League season after a 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Ruaraka Sports Ground.

In their opening game, Tusker defeated Bandari at Mbaraki Stadium but were held by Sharks in the second game.

Goal-scoring chances

Meanwhile, the former league champions were unable to break the deadlock in the 10th minute when John Byamukama failed to find the back of the net after being set up by Joseph Mwangi.

Sharks had an open chance in the 20th minute, but they did not manage to grab the lead as Fabian Adikiny, after a good cross from Boniface Onyango, sent his effort over the bar.

Deogratius Ojok had an opportunity to score for the Brewers, but his shot from just outside the penalty box ended up going out by inches in the 42nd minute. Another chance for the Ugandan came two minutes later, but he was unable to score again after the chance was created by Byamukama.

As the second half began, Tusker were determined to break the deadlock, but Sharks goalkeeper Brian Jairo was alert to ensure his side did not collapse despite the pressure.

Sharks’ goal

However, it was the Sharks that took the lead when Keith Imbali scored rather unexpectedly to stun the local giants in the 55th minute.

In a bid to reshuffle his attacking unit, Tusker coach Robert Matano made three changes when he brought on Levin Odhiambo, Eric Kapaito, and Eric Zakayo for Onyango, Ojok, and Byamukama, respectively.

Matano’s changes gave the attacking department a new lease of life, and Odhiambo ensured they equalized in the 78th minute. Odhiambo got to the edge of the Sharks’ penalty area from the left flank, and his powerful cross was directed into the net by a Sharks player to give Tusker a rather deserved equalizer.

A chance to grab the second came in the 88th minute, but John Njuguna could not score even after being spotted by goalkeeper Brian Bwire with a precise long pass.

Kakamega Homeboyz stunned

Elsewhere, Murang’a Seal managed a 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz at St. Sebastian Park.

This is the second win for the Premier League debutants after beating the National Super League champions Shabana in their season-opening game.

Titus Kapchanga scored with five minutes remaining in regulation time to ensure they rewarded their fans with their first home Premier League win.

Homeboyz will have themselves to blame as they failed to convert a number of chances into goals. Eston Eiye, Davis Kasirye, Faruk Musisi, and Alex Imbusia had clear chances that would have helped them pick up a win had they converted them.