Tusker see off Sofapaka as Posta Rangers widen gap with Gor Mahia
By Joel Sang, October 28, 2023Tusker managed a morale-boosting Football Kenya Federation Premier League win after beating Sofapaka 1-0 in Machakos on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
The Brewers have been under immense pressure recently for underperformance, but the victory over the 2009 champions will take some pressure off their shoulders as the league gathers speed.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka’s first chance came in the 30th minute, but Darius Msagha failed to find the back of the net from a good position to score as he sent his effort wide.
The former Bandari forward had another chance to break the deadlock in the 52nd minute, but he was denied by a quick intervention by Tusker’s defender, Jimmy Mbugua.
With Sofapaka proving hard to beat, especially at the back, Tusker head coach Robert Matano made two changes that ended up producing the desired result. Erick Kapaito and James Kibande combined well to break the deadlock in the second half.
Kapaito managed to beat his opponent and instantly located Kibande, who headed the ball into the back of the net.
This is a huge win for the Brewers, who lost some ground in the title race after conceding a 1-0 defeat to their rivals, Go Mahia, in the last game.
Rangers win
Meanwhile, Posta Rangers have widened the gap between them and Gor Mahia after a 2-0 win over Bandari.
Rangers lost their last game against Talanta, their first such result this season, while Bandari had beaten AFC Leopards 1-0 at Mbaraki Stadium.
The Mailmen scored the opening goal in the 14th minute when Bernard Ondiek found the back of the net, with experienced Titus Achesa providing the assist.
The league leaders scored the second in the 40th minute when Andrew Juma scored his own goal. The former Gor Mahia centre-back attempted to clear a dangerous ball – after Brian Otieno’s initial shot hit the woodwork – only for him to direct the ball into his own net.
Elsewhere, Police and Talanta shared points after a 1-1 draw. Lucas Waitere scored for Talanta in the 21st minute before Police fought back for a share of the spoils when Tyson Otieno found the back of the net.