Tusker’s head coach Robert Matano has lauded the impact of his substitution against Kariobangi Sharks during their 1-1 Football Kenya Federation Premier League draw on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Just after going down in the second half, Matano made three changes at once as he brought on Eric Kapaito, Eric Zakayo, and Levin Odhiambo. 

Changes

The changes in the attacking department had a lot of impact, and Odhiambo’s cross was deflected by a Sharks player into the net for Tusker to earn an equalizer as a result of pressure brought on by the tactical reshuffle.

Matano lauded the players who came on in the second half but also said there is still more to do.

“They [substitutes] did well. That is why they are there.

“In the second half, I brought in more players so that they could keep the ball in front of the Sharks. They tried, but we still need more of that,” Matano said in his post-match reaction, as quoted by a local publication.

The three-time Premier League-winning tactician, however, said they have to blame themselves for not utilsing the goal-scoring chances created.

The former Bidco United and Ulinzi Stars coach added that Sharks were lucky as they scored from ‘half a chance’.

“We did not take our chances; that is why we have drawn. Sharks did not get any chances but scored with half a chance.

“Sharks did not have many chances. We did not take our chances, and that was our undoing in this match.

“It is just a matter of time. We are doing well so far. We have new players. They have not been playing together, and they are gelling so well.

“You can see that we are pleased that they have a good run,” the FKF Cup winner with AFC Leopards in 2017 added.

Points dropped

The draw meant that Tusker dropped points for the first time this term after winning their season-opening duel away to Bandari.

After the Sharks draw, Tusker will face Kakamega Homeboyz in their third match of the season. It will be a perfect time to inflict revenge on Homeboyz, who defeated them in the FKF Cup final last season.