Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Tusker’s bid to reduce the gap at the top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League failed after a 3-1 defeat to Talanta at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Gor Mahia were 2-1 winners over Nzoia Sugar in a Saturday’s clash and by dropping points, it means Tusker will not pile pressure on the giants who are now some steps away from defending the title.

Meanwhile, the Brewers came close to breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute when James Kibande found himself in a good position to find the back of the net. However, Talanta’s keeper saved the day for his teammates with a good block.

John Njuguna also had a chance to put his side ahead but before he could luanch a follow up strike, the offside flag was already up.

Kevin Otieno, in Talanta’s goal, made another save to deny Tusker an opener. Erick Kapaito set Dennis Oguta through on goal but the latter could not find a way past his opponent.

Finally, after a number of good chances not turning into goals, Tusker got an opener from the spot kick. Kibande was brought down and Kapaito’s successful conversion gave the former Premier League champions the lead.

Otieno’s brilliance in goal saw him save Kapaito’s initial strike but he could not keep away the resultant effort by the former Kariobangi Sharks forward in the 37th minute.

Talanta kept on pressing the Brewers and Leon Ombiji almost equalised but Tusker’s goalkeeper Brian Opondo pulled off a vital save. On the other end, Njuguna failed to find the back of the net with a close-range effort.

Just before halftime, the parity was restored when December Kisaka found a way past Opondo to score. Kevin Machika scored the second goal for Talanta just two minutes after the hour mark.

Machika made use of some miscommunication at Tusker’s defence line to score their leading goal. The third goal came 20 minutes later when Mike Jairo scored.

Talanta secured the vital points as they are all but assured of remaining in the top flight. The loss may prove costly for Tusker in the end as the three dropped points mean they are now fourth on the log.

Starting XIs:

Tusker: Brian Opondo, Daniel Sakari, Collins Odhiambo, Mike Kibwage, Chrispine Erambo, James Kibande, Dennis Oguta, Erick Kapaito, Deogratius Ojok, John Njuguna.

FC Talanta: Kevin Otieno, George Ouma, Ian Omondi, Leon Ombija, Lucas Boke, Peter Njammah, Kevinton Machika, December Kisaka, Brian Maingi.